Lien

What lien means

Put simply, lien is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where lien comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

How to research the term

To research lien, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Legal personality: the capacity to hold legal rights and duties, such as owning property, making contracts, and suing or being sued. Every natural person has it, and the law gives it to certain artificial persons such as corporations. Some arrangements do not have it; for example, under California law a trust is generally not a legal personality, and the trustee sues or is sued on its behalf.
• Legal tender: money that the law requires creditors to accept for debts. Under 31 U.S.C. § 5103, U.S. coins and currency, including Federal Reserve notes, are legal tender.
• Lis pendens: a recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting title to real property is pending.
• Local rules: rules adopted by an individual court that supplement the general rules of procedure.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.