An Alabama mechanic’s lien form provides those working in the trades a means of demanding payment for unpaid labor or materials. By completing and recording the lien, the individual seeking compensation (called the “claimant”) stakes a claim to the property for the value of their unpaid work.

The recording must occur in the office of the judge of probate located in the county where construction took place. Upon recording the lien, the owner of the property will be limited in their ability to refinance or sell the property. It is this limitation that encourages the owner to pay the worker, either by paying them directly or by encouraging the general contractor to make payment.