What is a general lien?

A general lien is a legal right to retain possession of someone's property until a debt or obligation owed to the lien holder is satisfied. Unlike a specific lien, which only applies to a particular asset, a general lien applies to all of a debtor's assets, including those that are unrelated to the debt.

General liens can be placed on property by a variety of parties, including creditors, mechanics, contractors, and landlords. They are typically enforced through legal proceedings and can often result in the forced sale of the property in question to satisfy the debt.

It's important to note that not all types of debts can result in a general lien. For example, consumer debts, such as credit card debt, typically cannot result in a general lien. However, certain types of debts, such as tax debts and judgments, can result in a general lien being placed on a debtor's assets.

Overall, a general lien is a powerful legal tool that creditors and other parties can use to leverage debts and obligations owed to them. If you are facing a general lien, it's crucial to seek legal advice and explore your options for resolving the debt before the lien leads to the seizure of your property.