Emalfarb Law LLC
Illinois Mechanic Lien and Construction Payment Blog
Expert insights on Illinois mechanic lien law, construction payment disputes, and strategies to safeguard your company's receivables.
Deadline reminders, legislative updates, and practical guidance from our attorneys.
Federal Circuit Questions Government's Position in Air Force Subcontractor Payment Dispute
A Federal Circuit panel appeared skeptical of the government's position during oral argument in Fox Logistics and Construction Co. v. United States, a case involving millions of dollars in unpaid subcontractor work on an Air Force base in Afghanistan. Hal Emalfarb of Emalfarb Law LLC represented the subcontractor.
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Why Your Contractor's Sworn Statement Can Be a Double-Edged Sword
Illinois owners and GCs who accept sworn statements without scrutiny risk double-payment liability under Section 5 of the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act. Here's what you need to know.
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Mechanic Lien Deadlines in Illinois: The Complete Guide for Contractors, Subcontractors, and Suppliers
Illinois imposes strict, non-extendable mechanic lien deadlines on every party in the construction payment chain. Miss one by a single day and your lien rights are permanently lost. This guide covers every deadline under 770 ILCS 60 — with a free calculator to check your dates.
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Top 5 Qualities That Set the Best Illinois Mechanic Lien Attorneys Apart
Not every attorney who handles construction disputes understands the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act. Here are the five qualities that separate the best mechanic lien attorneys in Illinois from general practitioners — and how Emalfarb Law LLC delivers on every one.
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Illinois Mechanic Lien Rights for Unpaid Contractors on FHA 203(k) Loan Projects
FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loans create unique payment risks for contractors. Learn how the loan structure works, where disputes arise during construction, and how Illinois mechanic lien rights protect unpaid contractors on 203(k) projects.
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Mechanics Lien Coverage and Title Insurance: What Illinois Property Owners and Contractors Need to Know
Title insurance lien coverage endorsements protect property owners from undisclosed mechanic lien claims — but the protection has limits. Here is how ALTA 9 endorsements, gap coverage, and pending disbursement clauses work under Illinois law.
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Illinois Mechanic Lien Last Date of Work: What Counts (and What Does Not)
Every Illinois mechanic lien deadline is measured from the claimant's last date of furnishing labor, materials, or services. Knowing exactly what counts — and what does not — as your last date of work can mean the difference between a valid lien and a forfeited claim.
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Illinois HB 4660: How New Notice Rules Change Mechanic Lien Compliance in 2025
Governor Pritzker signed HB 4660 into law on August 9, 2024. Effective January 1, 2025, the law modernizes Section 24 notice delivery for Illinois mechanic liens — eliminating the restricted delivery requirement and adding FedEx, UPS, and other tracked delivery services as valid options.
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Illinois Amending Mechanic Liens: What Contractors Need to Know
Can You Amend a Mechanic Lien Under Illinois Law? Learn about the rules, protections for subsequent purchasers, and key considerations for contractors.
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Illinois Lien on Public Funds: How Subcontractors and Suppliers Get Paid on Public Projects
If you are a subcontractor or material supplier owed money on an Illinois public construction project, a lien on public funds under 770 ILCS 60/23 may be your most powerful collection tool. This guide covers every step of the process, the critical 90-day lawsuit deadline, and common mistakes that permanently kill claims.
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Are You a Telecommunications Contractor Waiting to Get Paid?
Specialized legal services for telecommunications contractors who are owed money. Mechanic's liens, notice to owner compliance, and construction collections for telecom subcontractors.
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What Happens If You Miss Your Illinois Mechanic Lien Deadline?
For subcontractors working in Illinois, understanding the specific deadlines for mechanic's liens is crucial to ensuring your right to payment is protected.
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Filing a Mechanic's Lien on Fiber Optic Telecommunication Project
When performing work on telecommunication projects, understanding the intricacies of filing mechanic's liens can safeguard your financial interests.
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How a Section 34 Demand Letter Forces Lien Claimants to Act Within 30 Days
The Illinois Mechanics Lien Act provides protections for owners including the Section 34 demand letter, which empowers property owners with a strategic tool to expedite the enforcement process.
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Virgin Orbit Shuts Down. Emalfarb Law Gets Contractor Paid.
In the complex world of bankruptcy, securing outstanding debts can be a formidable challenge. Learn how Emalfarb Law represented a general contractor in the Virgin Orbit bankruptcy proceedings.
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Construction Mechanic Lien - When a Customer Files for Bankruptcy
When a customer files for bankruptcy, the anxiety and uncertainty that unpaid contractors experience can be immense. Learn how to protect your lien rights.
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Filing a Mechanic's Lien Against a Cell Tower
The proliferation of cell phones has led to an exponential increase in the construction of cell towers. Learn about the unique challenges of filing mechanic's liens on cell tower projects.
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