Lien in Missouri
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Missouri recognizes mechanic's liens with a 90-day filing requirement and allows liens on both real and personal property.
How Missouri treats Lien
Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 429 governs mechanic's liens for construction work on real property. Lienors must file a lien claim within 90 days of the last date they provided labor, materials, or services. The lien must be recorded in the county recorder's office where the property is located. Missouri also permits liens on personal property and recognizes judgment liens that attach automatically upon entry of a court judgment against a debtor.
The general definition of Lien
A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
A lien gives someone the right to hold or sell another person's property if a debt isn't paid. For instance, a mechanic who fixes your car might place a lien on it, meaning you can't sell or transfer the car until you pay the repair bill. The person holding the lien doesn't own the property, but they have a legal interest in it that must be satisfied before the owner can freely sell it.
Read the full Lien entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.