A California Mechanic Lien is a legal document that allows contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors to secure payment for the labor or materials they provided for a construction project. It is filed against the property, giving the lien holder a legal right to the property until the debt is paid. There are two types of California Mechanic Liens: direct liens and indirect liens. A direct lien is filed by the contractor, subcontractor, or supplier directly against the owner of the property. An indirect lien is filed against a contractor or subcontractor by a subcontractor or supplier who has not been paid for the services or materials provided. California's law requires that the lien holder must provide a written notice to the owner of the property regarding the lien before filing, and the lien must be filed within 90 days of completing the work or supplying the materials. Once the lien is filed and recorded, it will remain in effect until the debt is paid in full.