Step 1 — Determine Your Contract Tier
This controls your path in Maine:
Direct contract with owner (GC/prime): you may proceed straight to enforcement (lawsuit) within 120 days, without the 90-day recorded claim requirement.
No direct owner contract (subs/suppliers): you typically must record the lien claim within 90 days and mail the owner a copy, then enforce by lawsuit within 120 days.
Step 2 — Lock Your “Last Furnishing” Date
Identify the last date you actually furnished lienable labor/materials/services. This date drives:
the 90-day subcontractor claim filing window (if applicable), and
the 120-day lawsuit deadline (for everyone).
Step 3 — Prepare the Maine Claim of Lien (Lien Statement)
For claimants who must record a Maine lien claim, the recorded statement must be:
The name of the lien claimant
The name of the property owner
A description of the property sufficient for identification
The amount claimed
A statement of the labor or materials provided
The date of last furnishing
be subscribed and sworn (verified).
Step 4 — Record the Lien + Mail the Owner a Copy
If you don't have a contract directly with the owner, record your Maine claim of lien in the Registry of Deeds where the property is located within 90 days.
Then serve a copy to the owner:
Service method: mail, return receipt requested or personal service
Proof: obtain a post office certificate of mailing (statutorily conclusive proof of receipt).
Step 5 — Enforce Your Main Claim of Lien (File Suit)
File a foreclosure/enforcement action in Maine court within 120 days of last furnishing.
If you are a sub/supplier without an owner contract, be mindful of the statutory rule delaying when the owner can be served after filing.
Step 2 — Lock Your “Last Furnishing” Date
Identify the last date you actually furnished lienable labor/materials/services. This date drives:
the 90-day subcontractor claim filing window (if applicable), and
the 120-day lawsuit deadline (for everyone).
Step 3 — Prepare the Maine Claim of Lien (Lien Statement)
For claimants who must record a Maine lien claim, the recorded statement must be:
The name of the lien claimant
The name of the property owner
A description of the property sufficient for identification
The amount claimed
A statement of the labor or materials provided
The date of last furnishing
be subscribed and sworn (verified).
Step 4 — Record the Lien + Mail the Owner a Copy
If you don't have a contract directly with the owner, record your Maine claim of lien in the Registry of Deeds where the property is located within 90 days.
Then serve a copy to the owner:
Service method: mail, return receipt requested or personal service
Proof: obtain a post office certificate of mailing (statutorily conclusive proof of receipt).
Step 5 — Enforce Your Main Claim of Lien (File Suit)
File a foreclosure/enforcement action in Maine court within 120 days of last furnishing.
If you are a sub/supplier without an owner contract, be mindful of the statutory rule delaying when the owner can be served after filing.
Step 2 — Lock Your “Last Furnishing” Date
Identify the last date you actually furnished lienable labor/materials/services. This date drives:
the 90-day subcontractor claim filing window (if applicable), and
the 120-day lawsuit deadline (for everyone).
Step 3 — Prepare the Maine Claim of Lien (Lien Statement)
For claimants who must record a Maine lien claim, the recorded statement must be:
The name of the lien claimant
The name of the property owner
A description of the property sufficient for identification
The amount claimed
A statement of the labor or materials provided
The date of last furnishing
be subscribed and sworn (verified).
Step 4 — Record the Lien + Mail the Owner a Copy
If you don't have a contract directly with the owner, record your Maine claim of lien in the Registry of Deeds where the property is located within 90 days.
Then serve a copy to the owner:
Service method: mail, return receipt requested or personal service
Proof: obtain a post office certificate of mailing (statutorily conclusive proof of receipt).
Step 5 — Enforce Your Main Claim of Lien (File Suit)
File a foreclosure/enforcement action in Maine court within 120 days of last furnishing.
If you are a sub/supplier without an owner contract, be mindful of the statutory rule delaying when the owner can be served after filing.