Lien filed in retaliation for Emergency Order of Protection

[msgdomg]

My jurisdiction is: Tennessee

My ex boyfriend choked me and treatened to kill me. I filed an EOP (which was granted,) and two days later he filed a lien on my home (which is in my name only,) for $54,000 for 2 months of work (he states 390 hours) that he did to improve the place.

I cannot afford to hire an attorney. Is there a way I can have this lien removed myself?

He was served, but did not show up for the Order of Protection hearing. He has threatened my life and threatened to"f***" me up.

 

[dee_dub]

I cannot afford to hire an attorney. Is there a way I can have this lien removed myself?

Yes, but exactly how you do this depends on your local property laws and rules of civil procedure, which is why lawyers are typically involved. You'll need to serve him with notice to prove his claim of lien. He'll have a certain period of time to sue to enforce it, and if he doesn't, you can apply to have the lien removed.

 

[msgdomg]

Do I have to have an attorney to serve him notice? I really do not believe he will follow through. Can I sue to have him pay for court costs and attorney's fees?

I feel like my hands are tied here. In this state no proof has to be shown to file a lien and the registrar told me that he will have to remove the lien.

I have put my entire savings into this home, which I only purchased 3 months ago. I cannot sell it until the lien is removed. I cannot afford an attorney. Legal aid cannot help me.

I'm not sure where to go from here.

 

[dee_dub]

Do I have to have an attorney to serve him notice? I really do not believe he will follow through. Can I sue to have him pay for court costs and attorney's fees?

You do not need an attorney to serve him. A bailiff or process server would probably serve him. But you probably need an attorney to draw up the proper papers he must be served with.

I feel like my hands are tied here. In this state no proof has to be shown to file a lien and the registrar told me that he will have to remove the lien.

That is probably only half-correct. He probably didn't need to show proof to file a claim of lien. But he'll need to prove the lien if you (the owner) challenges it, otherwise it may be struck from title.

I have put my entire savings into this home, which I only purchased 3 months ago. I cannot sell it until the lien is removed. I cannot afford an attorney. Legal aid cannot help me.

I'm not sure where to go from here.

Well, you're a bit stuck. You need to get the lien removed, and that's a legal process. You can try consulting with your court clerk to see if they will point you in the right direction of the papers you need to file. That's not really their job - that's why people hire lawyers - but they might be able to help.