Importance Of Filing A Pre-Lien

No Pre-Lien, No Payment? Don’t Take That Risk

When you complete work, you expect to be paid. But in some industries, getting paid can be an uphill battle, and a simple handshake or verbal agreement isn’t enough to secure your compensation. If a client refuses to pay or delays payment indefinitely, what recourse do you have?

In many cases, if you didn’t file a pre-lien, you may have no legal leverage to recover what you’re owed. That means you could end up spending time, energy, and legal fees fighting for money that should have already been in your pocket.

A pre-lien (also called a preliminary notice) is a critical first step in securing your right to file a mechanic’s lien if necessary. Without it, you could find yourself in a difficult position, struggling to collect what’s owed without any legal protection.

How Filing a Pre-Lien Protects Your Business

•  It Puts You on the Priority List –

  Property owners and contractors tend to pay those who have legal claims first. A pre-lien ensures your invoice doesn’t get ignored and that you’re positioned ahead of others when it comes time to settle debts.

•  It Keeps You Compliant –

  Many states require a pre-lien before allowing you to file a lien. If you miss this step, you could lose your ability to take legal action for unpaid work.

•  It Strengthens Your Cash Flow –

  The longer you wait to secure your payment rights, the harder it becomes to recover what’s owed. Filing a pre-lien reduces payment delays and keeps your business financially stable.

•  It Reduces the Risk of Non-Payment –

  A pre-lien acts as a gentle reminder to owners and contractors that you expect timely payment. In many cases, just knowing a pre-lien has been filed is enough to ensure smoother, on-time transactions.

Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem

Filing a pre-lien isn’t about creating conflict—it’s about protecting what’s rightfully yours. Many businesses suffer major financial losses simply because they didn’t take this simple precaution. Don’t be one of them.

A pre-lien is a small step that can save you thousands in lost revenue, legal fees, and wasted time. If a payment dispute arises, you’ll have the upper hand—not the uncertainty of whether you’ll ever see your hard-earned money.

Your business depends on steady cash flow. Don’t leave it to chance—file your pre-lien and get paid what you deserve.