What is necessary for a lien to remain valid?

For a lien to remain valid, it is essential that it be recorded with the county clerk. This recording serves as a public notice of the lien against the property, ensuring that other parties—including potential buyers and creditors—are aware of the claim on the property. Recording the lien establishes its enforceability and priority, making it an indispensable step in protecting the interests of the party who filed the lien. This legal action solidifies the lien's standing, as unrecorded liens may become ineffective and subject to being dismissed in favor of later claims or interests that are properly recorded.

The requirement for the lien to be signed by the homeowner, served directly to the contractor, or filed before a project begins does not inherently establish the lien's validity in the same way that recording it does. While these might be related to procedural aspects or conditions under specific circumstances, they do not guarantee that the lien will be recognized legally unless it is properly recorded with the appropriate local authorities.