When Ohio contract workers or other subcontractors or suppliers provide a service or item to someone else, they expect to get paid for it. So what do you do if that doesn’t happen and the money never makes its way to you? You can make a legal claim known as a mechanic’s lien.

FindLaw takes an in-depth look at how mechanic’s liens function, along with their overall purpose. Though states have differing laws to some degree, there are certain things that are required across the board. For example, as the supplier or subcontractor who is trying to get the lien, you must have given the homeowner notice that something was being contributed within 20-30 days of the contribution.

If you have given them this notification in advance and they have not paid, then you can file a “claim of a mechanic’s lien”. You must file it in the county that the unpaid-for property or item is currently located.

After this lien has been filed, you and the property owner have between 2 and 6 months to attempt to work out a solution on your own. Unfortunately, there are some cases in which the property owner will continue to refuse paying you what they owe. These are the situations in which it may be unavoidable for you to file a lawsuit and take them to court.

Collecting on debts that are owed to you can be a stressful and difficult process. Having legal support as you take the case to court may be something that you find beneficial, so you may wish to consider it.