Interactive Tool

California Mechanics Lien Deadline Calculator

Compute preliminary notice, lien recording, and foreclosure deadlines under Cal. Civ. Code §§8200–8494. Works for private commercial projects; stop notice and public-works parallel rules not included.

Project Inputs

Different windows apply post-Notice of Completion.
Triggers the 20-day preliminary notice clock under §8204.
Usually the "completion" anchor for direct contractors.
If recorded, it shortens your lien window materially.
Late preliminary notice preserves lien rights only 20 days back and forward.
Starts the §8460 90-day foreclosure-suit clock.

Deadline Output

Enter project dates and click Compute Deadlines. Results show controlling deadline and preservation status.

Controlling statutes: §8200 (definitions), §8204 (preliminary notice), §8412 (direct-contractor lien), §8414 (sub/supplier lien), §8416 (claim contents), §8460 (foreclosure suit). This tool does not replace attorney review.

Deadline approaching?

Submit your preliminary notice, last-day ledger, and the Notice of Completion. We'll record, serve, and file on a 30-day clock — 15% contingency, attorney-supervised.

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