WEST VIRGINIA NOTICE OF LIEN

(Mechanics Lien Notice - W. Va. Code Chapter 38, Article 2)

Pursuant to West Virginia Code Sections 38-2-1 through 38-2-39

IMPORTANT NOTICE

West Virginia does NOT require a preliminary notice to preserve mechanics lien rights. The lien is created automatically when work is performed or materials are furnished.

However, West Virginia DOES require a Notice of Lien to be filed to perfect the lien. This notice must be given within:
- 100 days after completion for most claimants
- 90 days after last working for laborers of corporations

This template serves as both a VOLUNTARY PRE-LIEN NOTICE and the required NOTICE OF LIEN for filing.

NOTICE TYPE

☐ VOLUNTARY PRE-LIEN NOTICE (Not required but recommended)
☐ NOTICE OF LIEN (Required to perfect lien - W. Va. Code § 38-2-8 et seq.)

CLAIMANT TYPE

☐ Contractor/Materialman contracting with owner - Notice to Clerk only
☐ Subcontractor/Materialman not contracting with owner - Notice to owner AND Clerk
☐ Laborer working for owner - Notice to Clerk only
☐ Laborer working for contractor/subcontractor - Notice to owner AND Clerk

NOTICE TIMING

Date of This Notice: _________________________________

Date Claimant Last Furnished Labor/Materials: _________________________________

Date of Completion of Work/Subcontract: _________________________________

Filing Deadline:
☐ 100 days after completion (most claimants)
☐ 90 days after last working (laborers of corporation)

SECTION 1: PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION

Name of Property Owner: _________________________________

Owner's Address:
_________________________________
_________________________________
City: _________________ State: WV ZIP: _________

SECTION 2: CONTRACTOR/HIRING PARTY INFORMATION

Name of Contractor or Hiring Party: _________________________________

Address:
_________________________________
_________________________________
City: _________________ State: WV ZIP: _________

SECTION 3: PROPERTY INFORMATION

Property Street Address:
_________________________________
_________________________________
City: _________________ County: _________________ ZIP: _________

Legal Description of Property:
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________

SECTION 4: CLAIMANT INFORMATION

Claimant Name: _________________________________

Claimant Business Name (if different): _________________________________

Claimant Address:
_________________________________
_________________________________
City: _________________ State: _____ ZIP: _________

Phone: _________________________ Email: _________________________

West Virginia Contractor License No. (if applicable): _________________________________

Claimant Classification:
☐ Contractor (direct contract with owner)
☐ Subcontractor
☐ Material Supplier
☐ Laborer
☐ Mechanic
☐ Other: _________________________________

SECTION 5: DESCRIPTION OF WORK OR MATERIALS

Description of Labor Performed and/or Materials Furnished:
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________

Description of Improvement:
_________________________________
_________________________________

SECTION 6: CLAIM INFORMATION

Contract Price: $__________________

Amount Paid: $__________________

Amount of Lien Claimed: $__________________

SECTION 7: NOTICE OF LIEN (W. Va. Code §§ 38-2-8 through 38-2-13)

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER

You are hereby notified that the undersigned claims a lien against the property located at:

_________________________________

for labor performed and/or materials furnished for the improvement of said property.

Claimant: _________________________________

Address: _________________________________

Hiring Party: _________________________________

Description of Labor/Materials: _________________________________

Description of Improvement: _________________________________

Contract Price: $__________________

Amount Claimed: $__________________

This notice is given pursuant to West Virginia Code Chapter 38, Article 2.

SECTION 8: SIGNATURE AND VERIFICATION

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signature: _________________________________ Date: _________________

Printed Name: _________________________________

Title: _________________________________

SECTION 9: PROOF OF SERVICE

Service on Property Owner (Required for subcontractors/materialmen not contracting with owner)

Method of Service (per W. Va. Code for service of legal notice or summons):
☐ Personal service
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested
☐ Other method provided by law

Date Served: _________________________________

Tracking Number (if applicable): _________________________________

Filing with Clerk of County Commission

County: _________________________________

Date Filed: _________________________________

Book/Page or Document No.: _________________________________

WEST VIRGINIA MECHANICS LIEN - LEGAL REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

PRELIMINARY NOTICE REQUIREMENTS

West Virginia does NOT require preliminary notice. However, an optional preliminary notice may be given under W. Va. Code § 38-2-20 prior to work.

KEY DEADLINES

NOTICE RECIPIENTS BY CLAIMANT TYPE

REQUIRED CONTENTS OF NOTICE (§§ 38-2-8 through 38-2-13)

Depending on claimant type, notice must contain:
- Claimant's information
- Owner's information
- Hiring party's information (for subs/suppliers)
- Description of labor and/or materials furnished (for subs/suppliers)
- Property description
- Description of the improvement (for subs/suppliers)
- Contract price (for subs/suppliers)
- Lien amount

ENFORCEMENT DEADLINE

An action to enforce a mechanics lien must be initiated within 6 months from filing the lien. This deadline cannot be extended. If missed, the lien expires.

OPTIONAL PRELIMINARY NOTICE (§ 38-2-20)

West Virginia allows for providing an optional notice prior to work. This is NOT required but may be given to put the owner on notice of potential lien rights.

LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION

The West Virginia mechanics lien statutes are declared remedial and are to be liberally construed to serve their enacted purpose.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS

This form is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. West Virginia mechanics lien law has specific requirements depending on claimant type. The 6-month enforcement deadline is strictly enforced. Consult with a West Virginia-licensed attorney to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements.

VERIFICATION: Ensure all information is accurate. Different deadlines and notice recipients apply depending on your relationship to the project.

West Virginia Notice of Lien Template - Version 2026.01
Based on West Virginia Code Chapter 38, Article 2