Lien laws vary from state to state, and if you aren’t careful when looking for them, you can easily get your wires crossed. This can determine whether the construction lien you file will even be considered valid or enforceable in your state. If it isn’t, it could be a great detriment to your income. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Nebraska and need to know the lien laws, this is the post for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Nebraska requires for you to properly file a valid construction lien and bond claim.
How to File a Valid Lien in Nebraska:
- Place 4* and below Contractors and/or Material Suppliers do not have lien rights.
- Liens must be filed within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the last time you worked and/or supplied materials.
- You must send the Owner a copy of the lien that was filed within ten (10) days of it being filed.
- You have two (2) years from the date the lien is filed to file suit to enforce the lien.
- The amount of your lien can be limited to the amount the Owner owes to the Place 1* Contractor when they receive your lien unless you send a notice of a right to assert a lien when you start working and/or supplying materials.
How to Have a Valid Bond Claim in Nebraska:
- Public projects of more than $15,000 require a payment bond.
- Place 3* or below Contractors and/or Material Suppliers must give notice of unpaid amounts to the Place 1* Contractor within four (4) months of the last time you worked and/or supplied material.
- You need to file suit on your bond claim within one (1) year of the project being complete.
- You must prove materials were actually used at the project.
If you work in Nebraska, it is essential that you exercise the above rules, and follow them to the letter. Your liens are your leverage and filing them properly is the best way to get the pay you are owed. If you’d like someone else to take care of filing your construction lien or bond, and do it the right way, contact a professional Nebraska lien attorney who is experienced in construction law to take care of it for you. Our sister company, The Cromeens Law Firm, has a 90% success rate of collections before having to foreclose on a lien, saving you costly legal fees. Your construction liens and bonds do not have to be confusing. We’re here to help.
*The “places” referenced in the rules above correlate to the Construction Food Chain Chart from Karalynn Cromeens’ book,
Quit Getting Stiffed. The chart can be found here to use when following these lien and bond rules.