Understanding Liens in Dallas County: What They Are and How They Work

Liens play a major role in real estate, business transactions, and debt collection. Whether you're a property owner, investor, contractor, or creditor, understanding how liens work in Dallas County is essential for protecting financial interests.

In this guide, we'll cover:✅ What is a lien?✅ Types of liens and who they serve✅ How to file a lien in Dallas County✅ How to release or remove a lien

What is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim against a property or asset due to an unpaid debt or obligation. It acts as a security interest, preventing the owner from selling or refinancing the property until the debt is paid.

Liens are commonly used by:✔ Lenders – To secure mortgages or loans.✔ Contractors – To collect unpaid construction or repair costs.✔ Government agencies – To recover unpaid taxes or judgments.✔ Creditors – To enforce unpaid debts.

Types of Liens in Dallas County

There are several types of liens, each serving a different purpose:

1. Voluntary Liens (Consensual Liens)

These liens are agreed upon by the property owner, usually as part of a financing deal. Examples include:

Mortgage Liens – Placed by a lender until a home loan is fully paid off.
Home Equity Liens – Used for home equity loans or lines of credit.

2. Involuntary Liens (Non-Consensual Liens)

These are placed on a property due to unpaid obligations without the owner's consent:

Mechanic’s Liens – Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work or materials.
Tax Liens – Placed by Dallas County or the IRS for unpaid property taxes.
Judgment Liens – Ordered by the court when someone wins a lawsuit but hasn’t been paid.
Child Support Liens – Filed against property if child support payments are overdue.

How to File a Lien in Dallas County

If someone owes you money for work, services, or a legal judgment, filing a lien may help you recover the debt.

Steps to File a Lien in Dallas County

📌 Step 1: Determine the Type of Lien

Contractors should file a Mechanic’s Lien.
Creditors with court judgments can file a Judgment Lien.
The IRS or county tax office files Tax Liens automatically.

📌 Step 2: Prepare the Lien DocumentYour lien document should include:✔ Debtor’s name & address✔ Property description (legal description & address)✔ Amount owed✔ Reason for the lien✔ Lien claimant’s name & contact info✔ Supporting documents (contracts, unpaid invoices, or court orders)

📌 Step 3: File the Lien with the Dallas County ClerkSubmit the lien at:

📌 Dallas County Clerk’s Office📍 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75202📞 (214) 653-7099💻 Online Filing: Dallas County Public Records

Fees: Filing fees vary based on lien type and number of pages. Call the Clerk’s Office for exact pricing.

📌 Step 4: Notify the Property OwnerSend a certified notice to the property owner informing them of the lien.

📌 Step 5: Enforce the Lien (If Necessary)If the debt remains unpaid, you may need to file a lawsuit to enforce the lien.

How to Release or Remove a Lien in Dallas County

Once a lien is paid or settled, it must be officially released to clear the property’s title.

Steps to Release a Lien in Dallas County

📌 Step 1: Obtain a Lien Release DocumentThe lienholder (creditor) must create a Lien Release document stating the debt has been satisfied.

📌 Step 2: Include Required InformationA valid lien release must contain:✔ Lienholder’s name & contact info✔ Debtor’s name & address✔ Property description✔ Original lien recording details (document number, date, etc.)✔ Statement confirming the debt is paid

📌 Step 3: File the Release with the Dallas County ClerkSubmit the Lien Release Form to:📍 Dallas County Clerk’s Office (In-person or online)💻 Dallas County Public Records Portal

📌 Step 4: Notify the Property OwnerAfter filing, provide a copy of the lien release to the property owner as proof.

How to Remove an Invalid or Expired Lien

If a lien is fraudulent, outdated, or improperly filed, it can be challenged or removed.

Ways to Remove an Invalid Lien:

1️⃣ Negotiate with the lienholder – Request a voluntary release.2️⃣ File a “Bond to Release Lien” – Allows a property owner to clear the lien while disputing it.3️⃣ Petition the Court for Removal – If the lien is invalid, file a lawsuit to have it removed.

Final Thoughts

Liens are powerful legal tools used in Dallas County real estate and financial disputes. Whether you're filing a lien to recover unpaid debts or trying to remove one from your property, following the correct filing and release procedures is crucial.

At The National Overages Finders Alliance (NOFA), we assist property owners with lien research, foreclosure prevention, and excess proceeds recovery. If you need help navigating liens in Dallas County, contact us today!

📞 866-800-6632