By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801-365-1021 [email protected] In Utah, a person can hold title to real estate with other people in a variety of ways, including as joint tenants with rights of survivorship or tenants in common. Spouses regularly share ownership of a property, but friends, business partners, roommates, or anyone can also own property jointly. Read More
By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801-365-1021 [email protected] To preserve a lien claim, a lien claimant must, among other things, record a notice of construction lien with the county recorder’s office, and within 180 days thereafter, initiate a lawsuit to foreclose on that lien. But what happens if, within that 180-day period, the lien claimant files an Read More
By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801-365-1021 [email protected] In Utah, trust deeds are often used to secure loans, ranging from loans for homebuyers to loans for general contractors used to finance real estate developments. The real property identified in the trust deed acts as collateral. If the debtor fails to pay, the lender can sell the property Read More
By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801-365-1021 [email protected] What happens when two parties to a contract disagree about what the contract language means? How are ambiguities in a contract resolved? Utah courts and judges should interpret and enforce each contract in a way that is in line with the intent of the parties who signed the contract. Read More
By Chase B. Ames [email protected] 801.365.1022 In Utah, to lien, you must do more than clean. Restoration contractors often do more than clean up when disaster strikes a home or business. When a restoration contractor physically improves the structure, there may be a basis for a lien against the property. In the Utah Court of Read More
By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801.365.1021 [email protected] In Utah, a construction lien is a valuable tool for any contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who does not receive payment for work it performs on a construction project. If the party who contracted for the work refuses or is unable to pay, the construction lien provides a second route Read More
By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801-365-1021 [email protected] In prior articles, I explained four general steps to preserving and enforcing a construction lien (also known as a mechanic’s lien) in Utah. These steps include: 1) filing a preliminary notice; 2) recording a notice of construction lien; 3) filing a lawsuit and recording a lis pendens; and 4) Read More
By Tyler S. Foutz Many contracts include what is commonly known as a “Force Majeure” clause. “Force Majeure” translates literally as “superior strength.” Force majeure clauses may also be known as “Act of God” clauses. A force majeure clause is intended to reduce or alter contractual obligations should a major event occur which renders the Read More
By Tyler S. Foutz We suddenly find ourselves in a much different business atmosphere in April of 2020. Much of what we are experiencing is, of course, uncharted territory. The COVID-19 precautions and shutdowns are likely to impact every industry and area of the economy in a different way. Many contractors and subcontractors in the Read More
By Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801-365-1021 [email protected] Many contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other parties in the construction industry conduct business in both Utah and Idaho. To preserve and enforce their construction lien rights, these entities must be aware of and adhere to the different laws that govern Utah and Idaho (in addition to any other states Read More
