Payment protection
This tool is a practical screen. It does not measure state court limits, lien statutes, or bond claim procedure. It is designed to help you choose the direction that deserves immediate attention.
Suggested path based on amount, project type, timing, and contract clarity.
A lien-first path looks stronger on the facts entered.
Simple rule: smaller disputes and weak contract records usually lean toward court. Larger private-property claims with recent timing usually lean toward lien preservation.
Suggested path based on amount, project type, timing, and contract clarity.
This is a practical screening tool. Deadlines, notice rules, and filing limits can change the real answer.
Choose lien when the claim is on private property, the amount is material, the timeline is still active, and the contract record is reasonably clean. Choose court when the claim is small, old, public, or built on disputed facts.
A contractor is owed $8,500 on a private tenant improvement, the account is 45 days old, and the signed contract is clear. This tool points toward lien because the amount is meaningful, the project is private, and timing still supports leverage. If the same claim were $1,200 or the contract were disputed, the recommendation would shift toward court.
Use the related guides and templates to put this result into a repeatable operating process.
See the practical next steps