Contractors/Surveyors Lean vs. Civil Law Suit for non payment of contract

[aidensanchez0812]

Hello fellow surveyors. Does anyone have some experience with putting a lean on a clients house or suing them in civil court to retrieve unpaid money in a contract for professional services? Can anyone please shed some light on this topic and the best way to move forward with clients that don't pay?

Thank you!

[DWoolley]

Is the amount less than $10,000? If so, consider small claims court. It's relatively easy.

I do not recall the mechanics of the lien process. If the bill is over 90 days old I think the lien cannot be filed.

DWoolley

[aidensanchez0812]

Thanks Mr. Woolley. The bill is actually quite small. About a $1,000.

[Dave Lindell]

If you lean on them they might just fall over. If you file a lien you may have some legal leverage.

[aidensanchez0812]

If you lean on them they might just fall over. If you file a lien you may have some legal leverage.

whoops! I can't change the title lol! Thanks for pointing that out.