A mechanic’s lien is a privilege authorized by state law that permits contractors, suppliers and certain qualifying construction professionals who have provided labour or materials to improve real property to publicly record the value of the unpaid improvements against the property owner’s title.
Small claims court is a litigation section that allows the parties to proceed in a way that is faster than traditional civil court but where the maximum damages are limited by the jurisdiction. The decisions issued by small claims courts tend to be less predictable than the more formal determinations associated with mechanic’s lien claims.