The Project “Completion” Paradox in California
We’ve written before about why the date of “completion” on a California construction project is important, and why, if I may be blunt, determining that date…
New Notary Language For California Mechanics Lien Releases and Stop Payment Notice Releases
Thanks to Scott Wolfe, Jr. over at ZLien for bringing this to my attention: Effective January 1, 2015, the notary language required for Certificates of Acknowledgment –…
My Construction Law Wish List
I’ve been good this year. Not great mind you, but good, and good is the standard, right? So, here’s my construction law wish list this holiday…
Being a Contractor Just Got a Whole Lot Scarier
If you’re fortunate enough to live and work in California you have a lot to be thankful for. Temperate weather, beautiful beaches, rugged mountains and an array…
There’s a Reason Why It’s Called a “Stop Payment” Notice Not a “Let Me Pay Myself First” Notice
In a decision published January 31, 2014 (Brewer Corp. v. Point Center Financial, Inc.), the California Court of Appeal (Fourth District) affirmed a trial court’s…
Stop Payment Notices: The Lesser Known Construction Payment Remedy
My kid sister was popular in high school. Student body council. Check. Member of nearly every campus organization except the Latin and Chess clubs. Check. Always…
A (Somewhat) Visual Guide to What’s New in California Construction Law
This past week I gave a presentation with two of my colleagues – Roger Hughes, the head of our firm’s Construction Practice Group, and Peter Laufenberg,…
Shaken, Not Stirred: Bonds, Bonds and More Bonds
Bonds. James Bonds. There have been six James Bonds in the 22 Bond films released to date. I’ve seen each of them. My dad used to…
Construction Lender Not Entitled to File Lambert Motion
In 1991, the California Court of Appeals, in Lambert v. Superior Court, 228 Cal.App.3d 383 (1991), held that a property owner may file a motion challenging…
Reminder: New Statutory Construction Forms Required as of July 1, 2012
A reminder that new statutory construction forms – preliminary notices, mechanics lien, stop notice and conditional and unconditional waivers and releases – are required as of…
2012 Construction Forms Now Available Under “Toolbox”
As I mentioned earlier, California’s construction payment statutes, formerly found at California Civil Code sections 3081.1 et seq., will be repealed and recodified beginning July 1, 2012.…
Public Entity Not Entitled to Recover Attorney’s Fees in Stop Notice Enforcement Action
One of the few statutory payment remedies available to subcontractors and others who provide labor, services, equipment and/or materials on public works projects is the stop…
