Lien deadlines are set by each province's law and are usually short; act as soon as you know you are unpaid. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
A first review of where the project is and which province's lien law applies
For a project in Ontario, the steps for an Ontario construction lien that a licensed paralegal is permitted to take
For a project in another province, a referral to a lawyer or other person permitted to practise there
Pointing out that lien deadlines are short in every province, so you can act without delay
What is not included
Land registry fees and other disbursements
Starting or running the court action to perfect or enforce the lien, which needs a lawyer
Liens on projects outside Ontario, which need someone permitted to practise in that province
Construction adjudication, holdback or trust claims
Collecting the debt after the lien is registered
Who this service is for
Contractors and suppliers unsure which province's lien law applies
Businesses working on projects in more than one province
Information to have ready
1The project's address and province
2Your contract and unpaid invoices
3The date you last supplied services or materials
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is quoted at your free consultation, once we know what is involved, and confirmed in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?+
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Is a builders' or mechanics' lien the same as an Ontario construction lien?+
They are similar rights under different provinces' laws. In Ontario the right is called a construction lien, under the Construction Act.
Can you register a lien in another province?+
No. A lien in another province is governed by that province's law and needs someone permitted to practise there. We can point you to help.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
Missing a lien deadline usually means losing the lien, though other claims for payment may remain
No outcome or payment can be guaranteed
The service is limited to Ontario and to what a licensed paralegal is permitted to do
Registering a construction lien, and the court action that perfects and enforces it, may be work only a lawyer may do; before any work starts we confirm which steps a licensed paralegal is permitted to take on your Ontario lien, and refer the rest, and any lien outside Ontario, to a lawyer or someone permitted to practise there.