Step 1 — Send Required Wisconsin Pre-Lien Notice
Before filing a Wisconsin mechanics lien:
GCs must include or serve the statutory pre-lien notice before work begins
Subs and suppliers must serve notice within 60 days of first furnishing
Notices should be sent by certified mail or another trackable method
Keep proof of service
Step 2 — Prepare the Wisconsin Mechanics Lien Form
Your Wisconsin Mechanics Lien should contain the following information:
Legal description of the property
Property owner’s name
Claimant’s name and address
First and last furnishing dates
Description of labor, materials, or services
Amount unpaid
Verification under oath (notarized)
Step 3 — Record the Wisconsin Mechanics Lien with the County Register of Deeds
You must file the claim of Lien in the Register of Deeds of the county where the property is located and pay the filing fee.
Filling options vary by county:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Wisconsin Mechanics Lien on the Owner
After recording, the lien should be served on the property owner.
While Wisconsin law focuses heavily on notice before filing, serving the recorded lien is considered best practice and helps avoid disputes.
Step 5 — Enforce the Wisconsin Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If have not been paid after filing the Wisconsin Construction Lien, you must enforce the lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 2 years of the lien filing date.
Lien enforcement is a court action, and attorney representation is strongly recommended.