what does it mean when the attorney general files a lien on your house

by Leanna O'Hara 7 min read

In general, a lien is a security interest used by a creditor to ensure payment by a debtor for money owed. Since an attorney is entitled to payment for services performed, the attorney has a claim on a client's property until compensation is duly made.

A judgment lien is one way to ensure that the person who won the judgment (the creditor) gets what he or she is owed. A judgment lien gives the creditor the right to be paid a certain amount of money from proceeds from the sale of the debtor's property.

Full Answer

What is a general lien and how does it work?

Apr 29, 2022 · A home lien is a legal claim on physical property (a house) by a creditor. In the case of a general lien, the creditor may lay claim to any and all …

What is an attorney’s lien?

In general, a lien is a security interest used by a creditor to ensure payment by a debtor for money owed. Since an attorney is entitled to payment for services performed, the attorney has a claim on a client's property until compensation is duly made. A charging lien is an attorney's right to a portion of the judgment that was won for the client through professional services.

What does it mean when a lien is filed on property?

Apr 21, 2022 · An attorney’s lien is a legal claim or right an attorney has to hold onto his client’s assets or money. An attorney ’s lien is a legal claim or right an attorney has to hold onto his client’s assets or money. This type of lien may be active when a client owes an attorney money, and it may be cleared once the money is paid in full.

Can a government agency place a lien on a property?

Apr 05, 2022 · In general, it is a legal notice that’s put on file as the consequence of an unpaid debt. When creditors want you to know that you owe them, and they mean business, they may choose to take legal...

What is an attorney lien?

Attorney's Lien. The right of a lawyer to hold a client's property or money until payment has been made for legal aid and advice given . In general, a lien is a security interest used by a creditor to ensure payment by a debtor for money owed. Since an attorney is entitled to payment for services performed, the attorney has a claim on ...

What is a lien on a property?

In general, a lien is a security interest used by a creditor to ensure payment by a debtor for money owed. Since an attorney is entitled to payment for services performed, the attorney has a claim on a client's property until compensation is duly made. A charging lien is an attorney's right to a portion of the judgment that was won for ...

What is a charging lien?

A charging lien is an attorney's right to a portion of the judgment that was won for the client through professional services. It is a specific lien and only covers a lawyer's claim on money obtained in ...

What is an attorney's lien?

An attorney’s lien allows an attorney to hold onto or make a claim against a client’s assets until he has received payment. One type of attorney’s lien is called a charging lien. This type of lien is made against a settlement or judgment a client receives.

What is a charging lien?

One type of attorney’s lien is called a charging lien. This type of lien is made against a settlement or judgment a client receives. Essentially, a charging lien means the attorney has the right to part of the settlement a client receives because of the attorney's advice and representation. Often, a charging lien is a percentage ...

How do attorneys make money?

Attorneys typically earn money by collecting legal fees in exchange for legal document preparation, representation, and advice. In some cases, clients may pay their attorneys for their services up front. This is not always the case, however, and an attorney may have to wait to receive his fees at the end of the case or once settlement is made. ...

Who is Nicole Madison?

Nicole Madison. Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a MyLawQuestions writer , and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Can an attorney file a lien on my fees and costs?

Your attorney’s ability to file a lien for his fees and costs may hinge, among other factors, on whether his withdrawal was reasonable. If, for example, he withdrew from your case without giving a reason (or because he decided to become a professional golfer instead), and his withdrawal damaged your case, the court may well support you in your decision not to pay him for the work he did. If, however, his withdrawal was necessary or reasonable and if the court approved the withdrawal, it is likely that he will be able to recover reasonable fees and costs for the work he did, according to the terms of your contract.

What happens when an attorney is discharged?

When an attorney is discharged and/or allowed to withdraw from a case, he still maintains the duty to protect his former client’s interests through the transition to new counsel, including providing case file information to the new attorney.

What is contingency fee agreement?

Contingency fee agreements – the type of contract most plaintiffs sign in personal injury cases – also bring special limitations. If your contract provides that you will owe your attorney nothing unless he recovers money for you, he cannot try to make you pay him anything unless and until that case is successful.

What are the liens on my home?

There are a number of liens that creditors may place on your home. These are the most common: 1 Mechanic’s lien: When general contractors, carpenters, plumbers, painters, or other repair companies work on your home, they may file a claim on the property as insurance to make sure they’re paid. 2 Judgment lien: If you have lost a court case and there was a judgment against you, the winning party of the lawsuit can file this against your home until the payment is collected. This type of lien is also sometimes imposed by an attorney if you do not pay your bill for legal services. 3 Tax lien: If you do not pay your federal, state, or county taxes, the government may file a tax lien on your home for what you owe on your property.

What is a mechanic's lien?

Mechanic’s lien: When general contractors, carpenters, plumbers, painters, or other repair companies work on your home, they may file a claim on the property as insurance to make sure they’re paid. Judgment lien: If you have lost a court case and there was a judgment against you, the winning party of the lawsuit can file this against your home ...

What happens if you lose a court case?

Judgment lien: If you have lost a court case and there was a judgment against you, the winning party of the lawsuit can file this against your home until the payment is collected. This type of lien is also sometimes imposed by an attorney if you do not pay your bill for legal services. Tax lien: If you do not pay your federal, state, ...

What happens if a seller refuses to pay?

If this happens, the sale must be put off until a definitive outcome can be reached. If a seller refuses to pay, the buyer has two options. Since the refusal can be viewed as a breach of contract, the buyer then has the right to walk away from the sale without losing his or her earnest money deposit.

What happens if you buy a foreclosure?

If you’re the buyer purchasing a property in foreclosure or a sale at auction, it’s possible that you will have to pay off any lingering debts. That’s why it’s critical for buyers to be aware of what they’re getting into before bidding on one of these properties.

What happens if you don't pay your taxes?

Tax lien: If you do not pay your federal, state, or county taxes, the government may file a tax lien on your home for what you owe on your property.

How to avoid a mechanic's lien?

How to Avoid a Lien with a Lien Waver. The best way to protect yourself from a mechanic’s lien is with a lien waiver. This is a legal document furnished by the contractor or subcontractor at your request. There’s no cost to you and no need for an attorney to review it first. By signing a lien waiver, a contractor or subcontractor agrees ...

How to protect yourself from a mechanic's lien?

The best way to protect yourself from a mechanic’s lien is with a lien waiver. This is a legal document furnished by the contractor or subcontractor at your request. There’s no cost to you and no need for an attorney to review it first. By signing a lien waiver, a contractor or subcontractor agrees that they've been paid in full for work completed ...

What happens when a lien is filed?

Once the lien has been filed, it will specify the amount owed and grants the creditor the right to be paid out if and when the property is sold. As previously mentioned, under certain circumstances, the creditor may take possession of the property if the debt is not paid off within a specified timeframe. If the debt is not paid, the creditor may ...

What is a lien on a property?

The legal term “ lien ” refers to the right to keep possession of a property that belongs to another person, until that person has paid off a debt that they owe. A lender may take the lien and then sell it in specific circumstances, such as those in which the borrower is unable to make their scheduled loan payment.

What is consensual lien?

Consensual liens can be further broken down into purchase money security interest liens, in which a creditor lends money to the debtor for the specific purpose of buying the property in order to secure the debt. The most common example of this type of lien is a mortgage on a home. The other main type of consensual loan is ...

What is a statutory lien?

This means that the lien is authorized by some statute for delinquent payments , such as tax liens. Under a statutory lien, the debtor does not consent to the lien.

What is a judicial lien?

Judgment, or judicial liens are typically obtained in connection to the final judgment issued in a lawsuit between a debtor and a creditor. Once the judicial lien has been certified by the court, the debtor is required to forfeit their property.

How to remove a lien from a property?

Removing a lien from your property can be a complex and drawn out process. However, you do have a few options: Satisfy Your Debt: This is the most straightforward option. Once you have paid off the balance of your debt, in full, you can file a Release of Lien form. This acts as evidence that the debt has been paid and will effectively remove ...

What is a judgment in a lawsuit?

Judgment: This is a type of lien in which a creditor is allowed to obtain the title to the debtor’s property if the debtor has failed to make necessary payments, similar to the other types of liens. Judgment, or judicial liens are typically obtained in connection to the final judgment issued in a lawsuit between a debtor and a creditor.

What is a lien on a property?

Liens are possible anytime somebody has a legal right to somebody else’s property. They’re typically part of an agreement to purchase a real or personal property (home and auto loans, for example). Liens can also exist as a result of legal action.

What is a lien?

A lien is a legal claim or a right against a property. 1 Liens provide security, allowing a person or organization to take property or take other legal action to satisfy debts and obligations. Liens are often part of the public record, informing potential creditors and others about existing debts. Here's an example: When you buy a home, you promise ...

What is a mechanic's lien?

Mechanic’s Liens (or Construction Liens) When contractors work on your property, they expect to get paid. If you don’t pay (or if a contractor fails to pay subcontractors—even though that’s not your fault), workers can file a mechanic’s lien with the county recorder’s office. 6 .

Do you have to pay debt to get a lien removed?

Ultimately, if a lien is legitimate, you may need to pay debts to get the lien released. The process might be easier than you think—liens are routinely removed when you sell your home or your financed auto. 8 

Who is Julius Mansa?

Julius Mansa is a finance, operations, and business analysis professional with over 14 years of experience improving financial and operations processes at start-up, small, and medium-sized companies. Liens give a person or company a right to somebody else’s property.

What happens when you borrow to buy a house?

When you borrow to buy a home, the property serves as collateral. In your loan agreement, you agree to allow the lender to foreclose on your home if you fail to meet certain requirements. 4  For example, you need to make monthly payments, insure the property, possibly live in it as your primary residence for several years, and more.

What happens if someone wins a lawsuit against you?

If somebody wins a lawsuit against you, they may become a creditor. If they can’t collect immediately, they might have the right to file a lien against the property you own. The lien ensures that damages will eventually be paid when you can’t pay out of pocket. 7 

Prerequisites

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There are several things that must exist before your old attorney can file a lien to recover unpaid costs and fees. First and foremost is a valid contract that contains an understanding that you will pay your attorney. If you never agreed to give money to an attorney, he cannot later demand to be paid, no matter what work he may ha…
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Lien Limitations

  • Whether you’ve failed to pay him or not, your attorney is still ethically obligated to avoid prejudicing the interests of your case. This basic rule applies very differently depending on the circumstances, but if the lien might hurt your chances in court, there is a higher likelihood that it will be denied. Contingency fee agreements – the type of contract most plaintiffs sign in person…
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Acceptable Reasons to Withdraw

  • Your attorney’s ability to file a lien for his fees and costs may hinge, among other factors, on whether his withdrawal was reasonable. If, for example, he withdrew from your case without giving a reason (or because he decided to become a professional golfer instead), and his withdrawal damaged your case, the court may well support you in your decision not to pay him f…
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Responsibilities After Withdrawal

  • When an attorney is discharged and/or allowed to withdraw from a case, he still maintains the duty to protect his former client’s interests through the transition to new counsel, including providing case file information to the new attorney. Though the option of retaining case files as security for unpaid fees is often available, it is limited by law, as will be discussed in Part 3. An a…
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