Sometimes, being a homeowner doesn’t mean that you own your property outright. If you owe a debt, your creditor may file a property lien, which is a claim that could force you to sell your home to cover unpaid balances. While some of these arrangements are made voluntarily, most are sought out without the owner’s permission. Fortunately, if you’re burdened by this action, you can take steps with a trusted attorney to protect your assets and restore your financial integrity. Here are five common types of property liens and how they can be handled in a court of law.

5 Common Types of Involuntary Property Liens

1. Judgment

If you have unsecured debts—such as those related to credit cards—the creditor may file suit against you to establish a lien. If the court validates their request, a judgment lien will order you to sell your property if you cannot fulfill the terms of your debt.  Depending on the nature of the original debt, an attorney may be able to help you eliminate this order by filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

2. Property Tax

When you have unpaid property taxes on real estate, the government can submit a lien that would require you to sell the real estate to cover unsatisfied balances. In these situations, a skilled attorney may help you form an agreement to pay off tax debt and release the lien, even if the property has already been seized and sold.

3. IRS

The IRS can use a lien to seize and sell your property to recoup unpaid taxes if you don’t qualify for wage garnishment. If you cannot pay your taxes to release the lien, your attorney can help you file an appeal, present an offer in compromise, or file bankruptcy so that you can keep your property.

4. Child Support

Owed child support that cannot be garnished from wages may be claimed through a lien filed by the government. While this arrangement is usually resolved by paying the money owed, you and a family law attorney may be able to reduce your liability by requesting an adjustment to the existing child support order.

5. Mechanic

When a contractor helps improve your property but doesn’t receive the money that’s owed, they may file a mechanic’s lien to recoup the debt. If these claims are invalid, an attorney can present evidence to the court and have the lien removed.

If a property lien is causing you financial distress or hurting your ability to sell real estate, J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, Attorneys at Law offers comprehensive legal assistance in the Robertsdale, AL, and Metairie, LA areas. Well-versed in property laws, these experienced attorneys understand every facet of lien procedures, and how to fight them. With a mission to help protect your assets, they’ll introduce you to the best strategies for your situation and offer guidance at every step of the process. Visit the firm online to learn more about their services or call (251) 947-6247 to schedule a free consultation.