Maryland Mechanic's Lien Template

Filing Deadline

Petition to Establish Mechanic's Lien must be filed in circuit court within 180 days after the work has been finished or materials last furnished (Md. Real Prop. Code Ann. § 9-105(a)). Within one year of filing the petition, claimant must file a motion to enforce or the lien is nullified.

Clock starts: Last day labor was performed or materials were furnished to the project by the claimant (not substantial completion of the whole project, and not invoice date).

Where to Record

CIRCUIT COURT (not the county Land Records / Clerk of the Court recording office). Claimant files a 'Petition to Establish Mechanic's Lien' as a civil action in the Circuit Court for the Maryland county where the property (or any part of it) is located. Example: Montgomery County Circuit Court — Civil Department, 50 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850. The court then issues a show-cause order; the lien is NOT effective on filing — it only attaches after the court enters an order establishing it (interim or final).

Notarization

Required — document must be sworn before a notary.

The petition itself is a court pleading filed under Maryland Rules and does not require a notarized signature per se, BUT § 9-105(a)(2) requires an accompanying AFFIDAVIT or sworn statement of facts —

Service Requirement

After filing the petition, the court issues a show-cause order under § 9-106(a). Claimant must serve the owner with a copy of the show-cause order PLUS copies of the petition, affidavit, and all exhibits, in accordance with Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 2-121) — typically by private process server, sheriff, or certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt). The owner then has 15 days to file an answer. Failure to properly serve will result in dismissal. Service must be completed promptly so the court can hold a hearing on whether to issue an interlocutory or final lien order.