Remove an Expired Mechanics Lien—Without Paying the Claimant
Mechanics lien on your property? If, within 90 days, the lien claimant did not file a lawsuit to enforce the lien, California law may allow court-ordered removal under Code of Civil Procedure § 8480.
Takes 60 seconds • No obligation
You May Qualify If
A mechanics lien was recorded against your property;
More than 90 days have passed since recordation;
A foreclosure lawsuit was not filed within 90 days; &
The lien still appears on title.
If all four apply, you may be able to remove the lien through a court order under Code of Civil Procedure § 8480.
An Old Mechanics Lien Can Stop Your Sale or Refinance
Even when a mechanics lien is no longer enforceable, it can remain on title and delay or prevent closing. Many property owners assume they must pay the lien to move forward — even when the law may allow removal.
The CCP § 8480 Remedy
If a lien claimant does not file a foreclosure lawsuit within 90 days after recording the lien, California law allows a property owner to petition the court to declare the lien invalid and order its removal from title.
Why Property Owners Use This Process
Court-ordered removal of expired liens;
May eliminate need to pay the lien claimant;
Helps clear title for sale or refinance; &
Focused legal procedure with defined criteria.
How It Works
We review the lien and recording date;
We confirm whether a foreclosure lawsuit was filed;
We serve a pre-litigation demand;
We prepare a Code of Civil Procedure § 8480 petition; &
We acquire a court order removing the lien.
A Practice Focused on One Statutory Remedy
Remove the Lien focuses exclusively on judicial removal of expired mechanics liens under Code of Civil Procedure § 8480.
We do not handle:
Lien foreclosure;
Construction disputes;
bond claims; or
General construction litigation.
Free Lien Eligibility Review
Confirm whether your lien qualifies for removal under California law.