Calculate backward from the planned filing date
Some statutes require a minimum number of days between service and recording. FirstFurnish treats the planned filing date as the trigger and calculates the latest operational service date before it.
FirstFurnishCONSTRUCTION LIEN MANAGEMENTBefore recording a lien
Send the Notice of Intent within the state's pre-filing period.
A Notice of Intent to Lien tells the owner or other required party that an unpaid claim will be recorded if payment is not resolved. It is separate from an early preliminary notice and separate from the recorded lien claim.
Check intent deadline10 daysMississippi and Missouri examples
30 daysWisconsin pre-filing notice
Proofservice retained
The amount and contracting party matter
A pre-lien notice commonly identifies the unpaid amount, the party who owes it, the work or materials furnished, the project, and the property owner. Those are claim facts, not estimated preliminary-notice values.
Certified mail is not valid everywhere
Mississippi and Wisconsin allow mail-based routes under their applicable requirements. Missouri requires service by an authorized officer or competent witness, with a return or affidavit. That job must be routed to process service rather than Lob.
Check the pre-filing service date.
Add the unpaid amount, last furnishing date, intended filing date, and required recipients.
Check intent deadline