Claim summary
State the unpaid amount clearly, itemize labor and materials where possible, and identify retainage or partial payments applied to the balance.
A concise, accurate letter helps preserve lien rights, provides proof of notice to lenders and buyers, and reduces challenges to enforceability when a lien or lis pendens is recorded.
Typical senders include general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, project managers, and construction law attorneys; recipients include property owners, lenders, title companies, and construction managers.
Tailor the recipients and level of supporting detail according to the recipient’s role—lenders and title companies often require more formal exhibits.
Project managers and site supervisors often draft or approve the factual summary of work and dates. Their statements are used to corroborate the account of labor or materials provided and can be submitted as an attachment to the notice.
Construction counsel typically prepares the formal demand and coordinates filing the lien or recording the lis pendens, ensuring statutory language and service requirements are satisfied to preserve rights.
State the unpaid amount clearly, itemize labor and materials where possible, and identify retainage or partial payments applied to the balance.
Provide the legal description, parcel number, street address, and county recorder reference to ensure the lien or lis pendens is anchored to the correct real property.
Summarize the scope, contract dates, change orders, and key milestones to link the claimed charges to specific work on the property.
Attach supporting documents such as invoices, purchase orders, sworn statements of account, contracts, and proof of service to strengthen the claim.
Cite the applicable lien statute or contractual clause and note any demand or notice periods required by state law.
Specify remedy sought (payment, release of lien, or withdrawal of lis pendens), a deadline for response, and contact details for dispute resolution or escrow instructions.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Claimant Name | Auto-populate from company profile |
| Property Data | Lookup parcel number | address |
| Attach Exhibits | Require invoice and contract PDFs |
| Signature | Collect e-signature with date and audit trail |
Choose a platform that captures signer identity, timestamps, and a tamper-evident audit trail to support enforcement and admissibility.
Maintain records of each signing event and recording receipt; digital evidence aids enforcement and counters claims of forgery or improper service.
File as soon as a valid claim exists to protect priority and notice to purchasers.
Recorder processing varies by county; expect 1–14 business days.
Some states require service within a set period before or after recording.
Statute of limitations to enforce liens varies by state; consult local law.
File a release promptly after settlement to clear title and prevent disputes.
Send the letter stating the claim and supporting exhibits to owner and lender.
Record the lis pendens or related document with the county recorder if payment is not forthcoming.
Serve notice copies in the manner required by statute and retain proof of service.
File suit to foreclose lien or record a release after settlement.
Martin Properties standardized their notice template and moved to online signing to accelerate collection.
Optica used structured letters to notify multiple lenders and prospective buyers before recording.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium+) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |