Subcontractor Lien Claims in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law authorizes subcontractors to use a mechanic's lien to place a block or burden on a property owner's title if they have not been paid for labor, materials, or equipment provided. Mechanic's liens are governed under Chapter 779 of the Wisconsin legislative code.

To claim a lien, the subcontractor must file a claim of lien form with the office of the clerk of courts in the county where the property is located. WIS. STAT. 779.06(1). The claim must be filed within six (6) months from the last date the sub performed, furnished, or procured labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications. Id

The subcontractor must also serve a copy of the claim for lien on the owner of the property on which the lien is placed within thirty (30) days after filing the claim. Id.

No lien claim may be filed unless, at least 30 days before timely filing of the lien claim, the sub has first served the owner with a written notice of intent to file a lien claim. WIS. STAT. 779.06(2). The notice is required to be given whether or not the sub has been required to and has given any previous notice. Id. The notice must briefly describe the nature of the claim, its amount and the land and improvement to which it relates. Id

The subcontractor's claim must have any previously served preliminary notice attached. WIS. STAT. 779.06(3). The claim must also contain a statement of the contract or demand upon which it is founded, the name of the person against whom the demand is claimed, the name of the claimant and any assignee, the last date of performing, furnishing, or procuring any labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications, a legal description of the property against which the lien is claimed, a statement of the amount claimed and all other material facts in relation thereto. Id. The claim of lien shall be signed by the claimant or attorney and does not need to be verified. Id.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice from a legal professional. Please contact an attorney with questions about filing a subcontractor's claim for a mechanic's lien, or any other issues related to liens in Wisconsin.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Subcontractor Claim of Lien

Protect your right to payment for home improvement work
Document partial payment received on a construction project
Secure payment for materials supplied to a construction project
Notify a general contractor of unpaid subcontractor invoices
Document a lien waiver upon receipt of progress payment

Compare other Wisconsin deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Full Release of Memorandum of Contract Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Special Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Property Power of Attorney for the Sale of Real Estate Mortgage and Promissory Note Satisfaction of Mortgage Assignment of Mortgage Land Contract Memorandum of Contract Personal Representative Deed Termination of Decedent Property Interest Transfer on Death Deed Transfer on Death to Beneficiary Contractor Notice of Intent to File Lien Contractor Claim of Lien Subcontractor Identification Notice Subcontractor Notice of Intent to File Lien Construction Lien Waiver Construction Lien Release Trustee Deed Disclaimer of Interest Certificate of Trust Lis Pendens Release of Lis Pendens

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our subcontractor claim of lien forms are specifically formatted for each county in Wisconsin.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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