A recorded lien has a shelf life: you must file an enforcement (foreclosure) lawsuit within a statutory window or the lien expires automatically. That window ranges from a strict 90 days in California to a year or more in other states — and some states allow extensions while others absolutely don't.
An expired lien loses its force even though it may still appear in county records (some states require you to release it). The enforcement deadline is the one claimants forget most often after the relief of getting the lien recorded — put it on the same calendar the day you record.
General education, not legal advice — lien law is state-specific and changes. For your state's exact windows, use the free deadline calculator; for anything contested, talk to a construction attorney.
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