How Do I Get a Mechanics Lien on a Vehicle in California?
Full Question:
I own a smog shop. I have many used car dealers that use my service. They are billed twice a month. One dealer refuses to pay for 7 cars that I smogged for them. I sent a certified letter to the dealer stating that they were 30 days past due and if not paid by 7-10-10 I was going to file a mechanic's lien on all 7 vehicles to secure payment. They called and said 'go ahead' see what it gets you. All I can find are contruction lien's. How or what do I do to start the process and can the dealer be billed for the expenses I incure processing this issue?
07/05/2010 |
Category: Civil Actions ยป Liens |
State: California |
#22586
Answer:
Under California law, a mechanics lien is created at the time a written statement of charges for completed work or services is presented to the registered owner or 15 days after the work or services are completed, whichever occurs first. California has complicated laws regarding a lien sale on a vehicle that must be complied with before a sale can take place, which vary depending on the dollar amount involved. The owner may be required to pay storage costs before you release the vehicle.