Lien

A lien is a legal claim, or Encumbrance, placed on a property or Asset as Collateral for a Debt.

It gives a Creditor the right to seize or sell the property or asset if the Debtor fails to fulfill their financial obligations.

Liens are often used as a way to secure payment for debts or claims, ensuring that the creditor has a legal interest in the property until the debt is satisfied.

After a death, when Administering an Estate, liens are relevant in several ways:

Debts of the Deceased: When a person passes away, their debts do not automatically disappear. Creditors can file liens against the deceased person's assets, such as real estate or valuable possessions, in an attempt to recover the debt from the Estate. These liens can affect the distribution of assets to Heirs and Beneficiaries during the probate process.

Estate Taxes: If an estate owes Estate Taxes to the government, a tax lien may be placed on the deceased person's property or assets. The tax lien ensures that the government has a claim on the estate's assets to cover the unpaid taxes.

Medical Bills and Liens: In some cases, medical providers may file medical liens against a deceased person's estate to recover unpaid medical bills. These liens can affect the distribution of assets to heirs and beneficiaries.

Funeral and Burial Costs: If the deceased person's estate is unable to cover Funeral and Burial expenses, a lien may be placed on the deceased person's property or assets to secure payment for these costs.

Property Ownership Transfer: If a property owned by the deceased person has a lien on it, the lien must be satisfied before the property can be transferred to heirs or beneficiaries.

The priority of liens is often determined by the date they were filed. That is, older liens may take precedence over more recent ones.

Additionally, not all debts or claims result in the filing of liens. In some cases, creditors may work with an estate's Executor or Administrator to settle debts without resorting to liens.

If a lien is uncovered while Settling an Estate, it's advisable to consult with an Estate Attorney, Real Estate Attorney, or Probate Attorney to help navigate the implications of the liens on the estate and how the steps needed to address them.