No business person likes the collection end of a service or sale. But in many cases, collection becomes a necessary part of the job. Here are some tips for writing a lien when your outstanding bill must be levied against the home or property of a client with a delinquent account.
Step 1
Start with a visit to your local cerk of court, who can guide you through the steps to filing a lien. The specifics will vary with each industry and state.
Step 2
You may also obtain help from any of several paid business software programs, downloadable from the Internet. Some examples appear below.
Step 3
Be sure to include the following pieces of information in your lien: The name, company name and address (including county) of the property owner against whom your lien is filed; the same information about the delinquent client, if different; the beginning and ending dates of the unpaid service; the due date for payment; and all associated fees including lien filing fees, lien removal fees, payment for your time to apply and remove the lien, late fees and finance charges.
Step 4
Consider showing your statement of lien to a property lawyer to be sure it is accurate and complete, particularly if you are new to writing liens.
Step 5
File your lien with the clerk of court or official recorder in your county.