Independent guide
Questions to ask about an unfamiliar lien letter
Print this page, or keep it open on your phone. The questions are grouped by who you are talking to. You do not need to ask all of them — the point is to walk into a phone call knowing what an answer should sound like.
Questions for yourself, before you do anything
Answer these from the letter in front of you.
- Who is named as the sender, exactly as printed?
- Does the letter state whether the sender is a private company, a court, or a government office?
- Is this a notice, a copy of a recorded document, or a demand for payment?
- Is there an amount, and does the letter say what the amount represents?
- Is there a deadline printed on the page, or am I assuming one?
- Which county and state does it mention?
- Is there a document, instrument, case, or recording number?
- Who is named as the claimant, and who is named as the debtor?
- Do the names, dates, and county match anything in my own records?
- Was it addressed to me by name, and what is the postmark date?
Questions for the sender, if you choose to contact them
Use contact details you found on the company's own published site, not only what is printed on the letter.
- What is your legal business name, and in which state are you registered?
- Are you the party that recorded this lien, or are you writing about someone else's filing?
- Where did you obtain my name and address?
- In which county office is the filing recorded, and what is its document number?
- Are you asking me for money, now or later, in any form?
- Who pays you, and are you paid if I accept a referral?
- What exactly happens to my information if I use your service?
- How do I opt out of further mail from you, and how long does that take?
- Will you send me a copy of the recorded document without any code or account?
Questions for the county recorder or clerk of court
These offices cannot give legal advice, but they can confirm what is in their index.
- Is there a recorded document with this number, and can you confirm the recording date?
- Is there anything recorded against my name or my property in your index?
- How current is your online index, and how long after filing do documents appear?
- Can I obtain a copy of the document, and what does a copy cost?
- Is this type of lien recorded here, or is it filed with a different office in this state?
- Has anything been recorded that releases or satisfies this claim?
Questions for an attorney
For your own attorney if you already have one, or the first call with a new one.
- Were you already aware of this lien, and does it match our file?
- Is this type of lien valid in this state on these facts?
- Does the amount look correct, and can it be reduced or negotiated?
- Does this affect what I would actually receive from any settlement?
- Are there deadlines in this state that apply to disputing or releasing it?
- Should I respond to this sender at all, or will you handle correspondence?
- What does it cost to have you deal with this, and how are you paid?
- What happens if I do nothing?
Sources
Working through the letter itself? Use the checklist on the start-here page, or read how to check a recorded filing.