A LIEN IS a document that uses property to secure a debt. It is usually recorded at the local House of Records or Recorder’s Office.
Liens include, but not limited to:
1. Loans (trust deeds and mortgages),
2. unpaid Taxes,
3. Special Assessments,
4. Mechanic’s liens,
5. Judgments,
6. Attachments by the court.
Looking at this list it is easy to decide if a lien is VOLUNTARY or INVOLUNTARY.
Voluntary liens are debts that an owner acquired voluntarily with the owners consent. Lenders file a lien against a property when a property owner obtains a loan and uses the property for security.
Involuntary liens are debts that are placed on a property without the owners consent. These usually are put (recorded) against a property by a governmental agency.
Liens are also Specific or General.
A. Specific liens affect only one (1) property. It is specifically placed on one property.
B. General liens are liens that affect all properties of the owner, not just one. Yes, ALL PROPERTY!
