Construction Attorney in Marietta, Georgia
Representing Every Side of a Construction Dispute, in Every Georgia Court
At Reed Leeper, P.C., our construction attorneys in Marietta represent every tier of a construction project. We handle construction disputes, materialmen’s lien claims and defense, construction defects, contract disputes, commercial collections, and all stages of litigation in both state and federal courts. Whether a dispute arises before the first shovel hits the ground or after a judgment is entered, we provide strategic legal services at affordable rates throughout Cobb County and across Georgia.
Construction disputes can emerge at any stage of a project, from contract formation through final payment, and they can involve state law, federal law, or both. Cobb County Superior Court is the primary Georgia state forum for construction matters arising in Marietta, and our team knows how to navigate it. With over 100 years of combined experience and a track record of successful litigation, we bring the depth this practice area demands.
If you need a construction lawyer in Marietta, call us at (470) 837-6002 to discuss your situation.Who We Represent
We represent clients across every position in a construction dispute, which means we understand the strategic landscape from all sides. That cross-party perspective shapes how we approach every case.
Our clients include contractors and subcontractors, developers, banks and financial institutions, corporations, franchisees, distributors, dealerships, and real estate companies. We also serve Fortune 500 companies and corporate shareholders with construction law needs. Whether your position is offensive (pursuing claims) or defensive (responding to them), our construction attorneys in Marietta are prepared to handle negotiations, mediations, and full litigation when necessary.
Construction disputes frequently involve multiple parties simultaneously: owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, sureties, and insurers can all have competing interests in a single matter. Having counsel who has worked across all of those positions is a strategic advantage, not just a convenience.
Commercial Collection Services
Unpaid invoices and uncollected judgments are common pressure points for construction businesses. Our commercial collection attorneys take a proactive approach to recovering what clients are owed, whether that means negotiation, arbitration, or litigation. We also advise clients on setting up credit policies and contracts with clear payment terms to reduce the risk of future disputes. Detailed information on our debt and judgment collection process is available in the section below.
Strategic Advocacy
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Results-Driven Team
We are dedicated to achieving successful outcomes, no matter how complex the case.
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Client-Centered Service
We focus on understanding your unique needs and provide tailored, strategic advice.
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Integrity In Law
We maintain the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty and transparency in every case.
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Exceptional Experience
Our team brings deep knowledge across various legal fields to deliver effective solutions.
Construction Liens & How They Work
A lien is a legal claim against someone’s property that can be used as collateral to satisfy a debt. A construction lien, also known as a mechanic’s lien, comes into play when a property owner fails to pay a contractor for work completed on their property. Unlike other liens, a construction lien attaches only to the property where the work was done, not to the owner’s other assets.
Filing your construction lien correctly is critical under Georgia law. Procedural defects in timing, service, or documentation can invalidate the claim entirely. We guide clients through all legal requirements, and our role covers both initiating liens and defending against them so that both strategies are legally sound.
Filing a claim of lien doesn’t guarantee payment. While most property owners want to clear an encumbrance from their title, those with no intention of selling may not be motivated to resolve the issue quickly.
We help clients perfect a lien through a lawsuit or arbitration to enforce it. You generally have a 365-day window from the original lien filing date to take that action. In complex cases that require evidence from multiple sources, acting early is essential to avoid deadline complications.
Materialmen’s Lien Claims & Defense
Under Georgia law, subcontractors and suppliers contracting below the prime contractor level must serve a Notice to Contractor within 30 days of first providing labor or materials on a project, when a Notice of Commencement has been filed, to preserve their lien rights. The lien itself must then be filed within 90 days of the last day labor or materials were provided. These deadlines are strict. Missing either one can eliminate the right to recover, regardless of how legitimate the underlying claim is.
Filing a materialmen’s lien incorrectly can render it invalid, leaving you unable to recover your losses. Whether you’re placing a lien on a property or contesting one, Reed Leeper, P.C. guides you through the process. We help clients properly establish a materialmen’s lien and defend clients facing a challenge from another party with a perfected lien.
For clients defending against lien claims, we conduct detailed investigations into lien validity, analyze all relevant documents, and prepare a thorough legal defense. Our construction attorneys in Marietta are committed to protecting your financial interests in what can be a procedurally demanding process.
Meet Our Construction Attorneys
Reed Leeper, P.C. is your trusted source for experienced attorneys who understand the law and prioritize your specific business or personal needs. We’re here to protect your interests, whether you’re facing a legal issue or working to prevent one. Our team is ready to help.
Our attorneys bring substantial legal knowledge and a client-centered approach that values clear communication and collaboration. We focus on continuous professional development to stay current with legal trends and standards. Explore our team’s profiles to learn how each attorney’s background contributes to your case.
Call (470) 837-6002 today or contact us online to get started with a consultation.
FAQs About Construction Law in Marietta
What Are Materialmen’s Liens and How Do They Work in Georgia?
Materialmen’s liens are claims made against a property by contractors or suppliers who have provided labor or materials for its improvement. To be enforceable in Georgia, subcontractors and suppliers contracting below the prime contractor level must serve a Notice to Contractor within 30 days of first providing labor or materials when a Notice of Commencement has been filed, then file the lien within 90 days of the last day work was provided. The lien must be perfected through a lawsuit or arbitration within 365 days of filing. At Reed Leeper, P.C., we handle both filing and contesting these liens, tailoring our approach to each client’s situation.
How Can a Construction Attorney Help with Contract Disputes?
Contract disputes can arise from scope changes, delays, or payment terms. A construction attorney reviews contract language, project specifications, and communication records to identify where disputes originated and how to resolve them. Reed Leeper, P.C. provides both dispute resolution and preventative contract reviews to help clients in Marietta avoid litigation before it starts.
Is Mediation Effective in Construction Disputes?
Mediation is often a practical option in construction disputes. It’s cost-effective, confidential, and gives parties the ability to reach resolutions that a court couldn’t impose. We encourage mediation when it’s appropriate and facilitate those discussions with knowledge of both legal standards and construction industry practices.
What Are the Most Common Construction Defects in Marietta?
Common construction defects include poor workmanship, architectural design flaws, and inadequate site preparation. These issues can cause leaks, structural damage, or other significant problems that compromise safety and property value. Our team pursues remedies through negotiation or legal action, depending on the circumstances and what may achieve the best outcome for the client.
What Deadlines Apply to Filing a Mechanic’s Lien or Lien Foreclosure Action in Georgia?
Georgia imposes strict deadlines at every stage. Subcontractors and suppliers contracting below the prime contractor level must serve a Notice to Contractor within 30 days of first providing labor or materials when a Notice of Commencement has been filed. The lien itself must be filed within 90 days of the last day labor or materials were provided. To perfect the lien and enforce it, a foreclosure action generally must be filed within 365 days of the original lien filing date. Missing any of these deadlines can extinguish your right to recover, which is why acting promptly with proper legal guidance matters.
What Is the Georgia Prompt Pay Act and How Does It Protect Contractors?
The Georgia Prompt Pay Act (O.C.G.A. sections 13-11-1 through 13-11-11) sets mandatory payment timelines on most public and private construction projects. Owners generally must pay contractors within 15 days of receiving an invoice for completed work; contractors generally must pay subcontractors within 10 days of receiving that payment. Late payments can accrue interest at 1% per month on the unpaid amount. The Act applies to most projects but has notable exceptions, including residential projects of 12 or fewer units. When paired with lien rights and payment bond claims, it can be a valuable part of a contractor’s payment recovery strategy.
