A District of Columbia Subordination of Lien is a legal document that relates to the priority order of liens on a property in the District of Columbia. Liens are legal claims against a property as collateral for the payment of a debt, and they can arise from various reasons like unpaid taxes, mortgages, or construction loans. When multiple liens are present on a property, it becomes essential to establish their priority to determine which lien holder has the first right to claim the proceeds from the sale of the property. There are two primary types of District of Columbia Subordination of Liens: 1. Voluntary Subordination of Lien: This occurs when a lien holder voluntarily agrees to lower their lien's priority to allow another lien holder to move ahead in the priority order. This type of subordination is often seen in situations where a property owner wants to refinance their mortgage or take on additional debt secured by the property. By subordinating their lien, the original lien holder agrees to allow a new lender to move into first position for repayment in case of foreclosure or sale. 2. Involuntary Subordination of Lien: In this case, a court order or other legal mechanism is used to change the priority order of liens. Involuntary subordination usually arises in specific situations such as bankruptcy proceedings or when a tax lien is considered superior to other liens, ensuring the government's ability to collect unpaid taxes. It is important to note that the District of Columbia follows the "first in time, first in right" principle, known as the recording statute. This means that the priority of liens is determined by the order of their recording. However, through subordination, lien holders can mutually agree to change this order, allowing a subsequent lien to take priority over the original lien. District of Columbia Subordination of Liens is a crucial tool in real estate and financing transactions, as it allows for greater flexibility in securing finance, refinancing, or resolving disputes between different lien holders. It is essential to consult with a legal professional experienced in real estate law to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to navigate the intricacies of the subordination process.