Bergen County Mechanic’s Lien Lawyer — Protect Your Right to Payment
A mechanic’s lien is a powerful legal tool for contractors and suppliers in Bergen County to secure payment for work performed. Filing a mechanic’s lien in New Jersey requires strict adherence to deadlines and procedures under N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-1 et seq. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal guidance to enforce your lien rights and recover what you are owed.
New Jersey Mechanic’s Lien Law
New Jersey’s Construction Lien Law, codified at N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-1 et seq., establishes the framework for filing and enforcing mechanic’s liens. This law grants contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers a security interest in the improved property to ensure payment for labor or materials provided. The lien attaches to the real estate where the work was performed, creating a cloud on the title that must be addressed before the property can be sold or refinanced. The statute outlines specific notice requirements, filing deadlines, and enforcement procedures that must be followed precisely to preserve your lien rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Construction Lien Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-1 et seq.). For court forms and filing information in Bergen County, visit the Bergen Vicinage Superior Court website.
Bergen County Mechanic’s Lien Process
In Bergen County, the mechanic’s lien process is handled through the Superior Court, Law Division, in Hackensack. The key local procedural fact is that New Jersey law requires a lien claimant to file a “Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien” (NUB) within 60 days of last furnishing work or materials, if the claimant does not have a direct contract with the property owner. The actual lien claim must then be filed in the county clerk’s office within 120 days of last furnishing work. Failure to meet these deadlines is fatal to the lien.
- Determine Your Lien Rights: Confirm you are an eligible claimant (contractor, subcontractor, supplier) and identify the last date you furnished work or materials to the project.
- Serve Preliminary Notices: If required, serve the NUB on the property owner and general contractor within 60 days of last furnishing.
- Prepare and File the Lien Claim: Draft the lien claim with a sworn statement detailing the work and amount owed. File it with the Bergen County Clerk within 120 days.
- Serve the Filed Lien: Serve a copy of the filed lien claim on the property owner within 10 days of filing.
- Enforce the Lien: File a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien in the Bergen County Superior Court, Law Division, within one year of the lien filing date.
- Resolve the Claim: Pursue the foreclosure action to a judgment, which may lead to a sale of the property to satisfy the debt, or negotiate a settlement for payment.
Consequences of a Mechanic’s Lien
In Bergen County, a valid mechanic’s lien secures your claim against the property, can halt refinancing or sale, and may entitle you to attorney’s fees if provided for in your contract.
| Action | Legal Basis | Potential Outcome | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing a Lien Claim | N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-1 et seq. | Creates an encumbrance on property title | Must file within 120 days of last work |
| Foreclosure Lawsuit | Enforcement of Lien | Court-ordered sale of property to pay debt | Must file suit within 1 year of lien filing |
| Defense Against Invalid Lien | N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-15 | Lien discharged; claimant may be liable for costs & fees | File motion to discharge |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Construction Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a practical approach to construction disputes, including mechanic’s lien enforcement. We understand the cash flow pressures in the construction industry and work to resolve lien matters efficiently to get our clients paid.
Client Results in Construction Disputes
Our firm has handled numerous construction payment disputes. While specific mechanic’s lien results in Bergen County are not publicly listed, our approach focuses on securing our client’s financial interests through assertive legal action, including timely lien filings and foreclosure suits when necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Mechanic’s Lien Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, Route 17, and the George Washington Bridge. If you are searching for an affordable mechanic’s lien lawyer Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 509-6227
Meetings by appointment only.
We serve clients in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Mechanic’s Lien Lawyer FAQ
Who can file a mechanic’s lien in New Jersey?
Yes. Contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who provide labor or materials for the improvement of real property can file a lien, provided they follow the strict notice and timing rules under N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-3.
What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien in Bergen County?
It depends. For most claimants, the lien claim must be filed with the Bergen County Clerk within 120 days from the last day they furnished work, services, or materials to the project. Subcontractors must also serve a preliminary notice within 60 days.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic’s lien?
Yes. An owner can challenge an invalid lien by filing a motion in Superior Court to discharge the lien. Grounds include improper filing, expiration of the enforcement period, or full payment of the debt.
What happens after I file a mechanic’s lien?
You must serve the filed lien on the property owner within 10 days. To collect the debt, you must then file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien in the Bergen County Superior Court within one year. If you don’t sue in time, the lien expires.
Can I recover attorney’s fees in a lien case?
It depends. New Jersey’s Construction Lien Law allows the prevailing party in a lien foreclosure action to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, provided the contract or lien claim includes a provision for such fees.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are dealing with a construction payment issue, you may also need assistance with: Bergen County Business Lawyer or Bergen County Civil Litigation Lawyer. For other contract matters across New Jersey, see our New Jersey Contract Lawyer hub or pages for Atlantic County and Burlington County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Mechanic S Lien Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Mechanic S Lien Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.