Thoughts on construction law from Christopher G. Hill, Virginia construction lawyer, LEED AP, mediator, and member of the Virginia Legal Elite in Construction Law

Reminder: Don’t Let Holiday Cheer Blow Your Deadlines

The Time of Year for ClaimsAs we enter the month of December, thoughts of the holidays start to enter our heads.  Holiday music, shopping, smiles and a warm fire tend to take one’s thoughts away from business and toward family.  What could go wrong during this chilly, somewhat hectic, but joyful time of year?

I hate to be a Grinch, but the answer is “lots.”

As construction (and other) businesses reach year end, collections may be necessary to clean out those pesky receivables.  Accountants and bookkeepers tend to point out where money is not coming in.  The end of the year tends to focus the mind.

When hearing from your bookkeeper, you may decide that you need to enlist the help of a construction attorney to help with either a mechanic’s lien or bond claim.  While this is laudable, and at times necessary, even before calling your friendly local lawyer, be sure that you are aware of the various deadlines for each step in a Miller Act or mechanic’s lien claim. Missing one of these critical deadlines can be fatal to your ability to secure your claim.

Also, be sure to check on the local court holiday schedules.  Without doing so, your mechanic’s lien or other claim could be lost merely because of the bad luck that your last filing date happened to be when the local clerk’s office was closed.

The holiday season can be a great one, just don’t forget that the clock doesn’t stop ticking.  If you keep these things in mind, your year end can be at least a little less stressful and more fulfilling.

Image via stock.xchng

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Reminder: Don't Let Holiday Cheer Blow Your Deadlines
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