What must a mechanic's lien do to be effective?

For a mechanic's lien to be effective, it must be recorded and verified. Recording the lien provides public notice of the claim against the property, which is essential for establishing the priority of the lien in relation to other claims against the same property. Verification, which typically involves affirming the truth of the information contained in the lien, reinforces the legitimacy of the claim.

While filing with the county clerk is a step that may be involved in the process, it alone does not encompass the necessary requirements for a mechanic's lien to hold its full legal enforceability. Similarly, having the property owner's signature or notarizing the document, although potentially beneficial, are not required elements for the establishment of a mechanic's lien in most jurisdictions. The critical components are the recording and verification, ensuring that the claim is both public and credible.