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Oakland County Construction Lawyers
Managing a construction project in Oakland County, Michigan requires strict adherence to state statutes and local municipal codes. From recording a Claim of Lien at the Oakland County Register of Deeds in Pontiac to litigating breach of contract disputes in the 6th Circuit Court, contractors need local, decisive legal counsel. Based in Southfield, the Oakland County construction lawyers at Szura & Delonis, PLC provide strategic representation for construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout Metro Detroit. We specialize in enforcing the Michigan Construction Lien Act, navigating the Michigan Builders’ Trust Fund Act, and resolving complex commercial and residential construction disputes.
Protecting Contractor Payments in Oakland County
Getting paid for your labor and materials shouldn’t require a legal battle, but when developers or owners withhold funds, you need to act before statutory deadlines expire. We help Oakland County construction professionals secure their receivables through:
- Drafting and Serving Notices of Furnishing: Ensuring your statutory rights are preserved within the critical 20-day window.
- Recording Claims of Lien: Properly filing your lien with the Oakland County Register of Deeds within 90 days of your last date of furnishing labor or materials.
- Lien Foreclosure Litigation: Initiating lawsuits in the Oakland County Circuit Court to force payment before the one-year statute of limitations expires.
- Builders’ Trust Fund Act Claims: Pursuing personal liability against individuals who misappropriate project funds meant for subcontractors and suppliers.
Oakland County Construction Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Construction disputes can halt projects and drain resources. Our firm represents clients across the spectrum of construction litigation, tailored to the specific courts of Oakland County.
| Type of Dispute | Typical Oakland County Venue | How Szura & Delonis Helps |
| Major Commercial Claims (Over $25,000) | Oakland County 6th Circuit Court (Pontiac) | Complex breach of contract, multi-party defect litigation, and major lien foreclosures. |
| Small/Mid Size Payment Disputes (Under $25,000) | District Courts (e.g., 46th in Southfield, 52-1 in Novi) | Efficient debt collection, supplier disputes, and targeted breach of contract lawsuits. |
| Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) | Private Mediation / Arbitration | Resolving disputes outside of court to save contractors time and preserve business relationships. |
Proactive Contract Drafting and Review
The best defense against a construction lawsuit is a bulletproof contract. We draft, review, and negotiate construction agreements to ensure Oakland County contractors are protected from unfair risk-shifting clauses. We routinely handle:
- AIA Contract modifications
- Custom subcontractor agreements
- Scope of work and change order protocols
- “Pay-if-paid” and “pay-when-paid” clause negotiation
- Warranties and limitation of liability provisions
Frequently Asked Questions: Oakland County Construction Law
Where do I file a construction lien in Oakland County?
To establish a valid construction lien for a project located in Oakland County, the Claim of Lien must be recorded at the Oakland County Register of Deeds, located at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341. It must be filed within 90 days of the last date you provided labor or materials to the project.
Can I sue a contractor for poor workmanship in Oakland County?
Yes. Property owners and general contractors can pursue claims for construction defects, breach of contract, or breach of warranty. Depending on the amount of damages sought, the lawsuit will be filed in the local district court (for claims up to $25,000) or the Oakland County 6th Circuit Court (for claims exceeding $25,000).
Does the Michigan Builders’ Trust Fund Act apply to residential and commercial projects?
The Michigan Builders’ Trust Fund Act (MBTF) applies to private construction projects in Oakland County, both residential and commercial. It requires contractors to hold project funds in trust to pay their subcontractors and suppliers before using the money for other business or personal expenses. Public/government projects are handled differently.
Do I need a lawyer to negotiate a commercial construction contract in Metro Detroit?
Yes, in many instances. Having an experienced construction attorney review your commercial contract is highly recommended. Standard forms often contain hidden risk-shifting clauses, such as strict notice requirements for delays or aggressive indemnification clauses, that can severely impact your profitability and liability.
Do you represent contractors in Oakland County small commercial and residential projects?
Yes. We have helped local subcontractors and general contractors working on home additions, retail builds, and office renovations in Southfield, Troy, Novi, Royal Oak, and surrounding communities.
How long does it take to enforce a construction lien in Oakland County Circuit Court?
Most lien foreclosure cases we handle in Oakland County are resolved within 6–12 months if uncontested, or 12–24 months if fully litigated. Early mediation can often lead to quicker settlements.
Don’t Let Statutory Deadlines Cost You Your Payment
In Michigan construction law, time is rarely on your side. Missing a 20-day Notice of Furnishing window or a 90-day lien filing deadline can instantly wipe out your right to collect what you are owed. Whether you need to aggressively pursue an unpaid invoice, defend against a defect claim, or bulletproof your next commercial contract, you need decisive legal action.
Partner with a legal team that understands the local landscape of the 6th Circuit Court and the Oakland County Register of Deeds.
Take action to protect your bottom line today:
- Review Your Contract: Catch risk-shifting clauses before you sign.
- Secure Your Receivables: Let us handle your Notices of Furnishing and Claims of Lien.
- Resolve Disputes: Get a realistic assessment of your litigation or mediation options.
Contact Szura & Delonis, PLC
Call our Southfield office today to schedule a consultation regarding your Oakland County construction matter, or use the link below to send us the details of your project securely.
Address: 29777 Telegraph Rd #2401 Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 716-3600
Email: admin@szuradelonis.com
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