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How can I place a lien on someone either against their assets?

How can I place a lien on someone either against their assets?

Q: Can someone put a lien on your property without you knowing?

Yes, it is possible for a lien to be placed on your property without your knowledge, especially in cases of involuntary liens. Creditors may file a lien after obtaining a judgment against you in court. However, property records are public, so you can check for any liens by reviewing your local property records.

Q: What are the conditions for a lien?

The conditions for placing a lien typically include having a valid debt owed, proper documentation of the agreement, and following legal procedures for filing the lien. The debt must usually be for a specific amount and may require a court judgment, depending on the type of lien being pursued.

Q: What is the difference between a voluntary and an involuntary lien?

A voluntary lien is created with the consent of the property owner, often through a loan agreement or mortgage. In contrast, an involuntary lien is imposed without the owner's consent, usually due to unpaid debts or legal judgments. Voluntary liens are typically agreed upon, while involuntary liens arise from creditor actions.

Q: What is an example of an involuntary lien?

An example of an involuntary lien is a tax lien. This occurs when a government entity places a claim on a property due to unpaid taxes. If the property owner fails to pay their taxes, the government can file a lien to secure the debt, which may lead to foreclosure if the debt remains unpaid.

Full question:

How can I place a lien on someone either against their assets or just have the lien filed so the person cannot acquire a credit card or obtain a loan? I had a verbal agreement with this person that they would reimburse me for payment made on their cell phone account. The amount I am owed is approx. $350.00 and to date the person has not paid me anything. This situation has been going on since August 2010.

Category: Debts and Credit
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New York

Answer:

We cannot give legal advice, and are not forming an attorney-client relationship with you. The following is not a substitute for the advice of a local attorney. But we hope the information will be useful.

You cannot place a lien on someone in this situation. Liens are for work done. Not for simple debts. Small claims court may be an option for you - sue them for the debt. You will have to do it yourself. Not enough money to interest an attorney. Small claims court will have a complaint form to fill out and file. But you need to have some evidence that she owes you the money besides your word against their's.

The best advice is to stop paying for their cell phone.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How much does it cost to put a lien on someone?

The cost to place a lien varies by state and the type of lien. Generally, you may incur filing fees that range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Additionally, if you hire an attorney to help with the process, legal fees will add to the cost. It's important to consider whether the amount owed justifies these expenses, especially for smaller debts.

What is an involuntary lien?

An involuntary lien is a legal claim against a property that is imposed without the property owner's consent. This typically occurs when a creditor seeks to recover unpaid debts, such as unpaid taxes or court judgments. The lien allows the creditor to potentially collect the debt by forcing the sale of the property if the debt remains unpaid.