Question 1

What is a preliminary notice?

Accepted Answer

A preliminary notice (also called a pre-lien notice, notice to owner, or preliminary 20-day notice) is a document that notifies property owners and other parties that you are working on their project and have lien rights. It's required in many states to preserve your right to file a mechanic's lien if you don't get paid.

Question 2

Do I need to send a preliminary notice?

Accepted Answer

In most states, yes. Preliminary notices are required to protect your lien rights, especially if you're a subcontractor or supplier without a direct contract with the property owner. Even in states where it's not required, sending a notice is a best practice that often improves payment speed.

Question 3

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Simply create a free account, submit your project details, and we'll handle the rest. You can choose our full-service option where we research all recipient information, or our self-service option if you already have the details.

Question 4

How does pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is simple: $20–$30 per notice plus certified mail postage. No subscription, no setup fee, no volume commitment — you only pay when you send a notice.

Question 5

How does your pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is simple: Document Fee + (Postage Rate × Number of Recipients) = Total. For example, a preliminary notice ($30) sent to 2 recipients via certified mail ($10.44 each) would cost $50.88. Self-service notices start at just $13.

Question 6

Are there any monthly fees or subscriptions?

Accepted Answer

No! We believe in transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing. There are no monthly fees, no annual subscriptions, and no setup costs. You only pay for the notices you actually send.

Question 7

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) through our secure Stripe payment processing. Payment is collected after you approve the notice for sending.

Question 8

What's the difference between full service and self-service?

Accepted Answer

Full service ($30) includes research – we find the property owner, general contractor, and other required recipients. Self-service ($13) is for when you already have all recipient information and just need the notice generated and sent.

Question 9

How long does it take to send a notice?

Accepted Answer

Most notices are processed within 24-48 business hours. Full-service orders that require extensive research may take slightly longer. You'll receive email updates at each step of the process.

Question 10

How is my notice delivered?

Accepted Answer

Notices are sent via USPS certified mail with electronic return receipt. This provides proof of mailing and delivery, which is essential for legal compliance. You can track delivery status in your dashboard.

Question 11

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, you'll need: your company information, the project/job site address, the type of work you're performing, and the contract amount. For self-service orders, you'll also need recipient names and addresses.

Question 12

Can I review my notice before it's sent?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You'll receive a preview of your notice and must approve it before we send. This ensures accuracy and gives you peace of mind.

Question 13

Do you cover all 50 states?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We generate state-compliant preliminary notices, mechanic's liens, and bond claims for all 50 states. Each document is tailored to meet your state's specific legal requirements.

Question 14

How do I know my state's deadline?

Accepted Answer

Each state has different deadline requirements. Our platform automatically tracks deadlines based on your project details. You'll receive reminders before critical deadlines to ensure you don't miss any important dates.

Question 15

What if my state doesn't require a preliminary notice?

Accepted Answer

Even if your state doesn't legally require a preliminary notice, sending one is still a best practice. It notifies all parties of your involvement and often speeds up payment by establishing clear communication from the start.

Question 16

Can I add team members to my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Master accounts can add sub-users with customizable permissions. This is perfect for larger companies that need multiple people to submit and track orders.

Question 17

How do I access my past notices?

Accepted Answer

All your notices, documents, and proof of service records are stored securely in your dashboard. You can access, download, and print them anytime.

Question 18

What if I have questions or need help?

Accepted Answer

Our dedicated support team is here to help! Contact us via phone, email, or through your dashboard. We pride ourselves on responsive, knowledgeable customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

4Getting Started

4Pricing & Payment

4Notice Process

3State Requirements

3Account & Support

Still Have Questions?

Ready to Protect Your Lien Rights?