Getting Rid of a Mechanic's Lien
Before I say anything, I want to remind homeowners that mechanic's lien law is state specific. I only know how they work in Massachusetts. That said, there are usually similarities between states, and this will give you some idea of how the process works. It is not easy to follow the mechanic's lien process properly. For contractors, it can be complicated, and it is very easy to make a mistake. Many attorneys do not get it right. So, there are opportunities along the way for a lien to be subject to being dissolved. The problem is, they do not self-extinguish. A document has to be filed with the registry of deeds to put the public on notice that the lien is no longer valid. The simplest way to dissolve a lien is by agreement. The parties come up with a way to resolve their dispute, and a Notice of Dissolution is filed by the contractor. The next "easiest" is for the homeowner to post a bond. The reason I put "easiest" in quotes is because this can be