Admiralty and Maritime Law

Florida maritime lien attorney

Maritime liens are defined by Admiralty Law and are creditor liens on a vessel for those who either provided service to the vessel or suffered injury from using the vessel.

Complexities of maritime liens

Because maritime lien law is complicated, you should consult a lawyer who is knowledgeable in this specific area of law.
The following complexities are characteristic of maritime liens:

• Some maritime liens attach to borrowed or leased equipment on the vessel.
• The lien remains attached to items when removed from the vessel.
• Other types of maritime liens do not attach to borrowed or leased equipment.
• Invalid maritime liens can result in severe sanctions against the creditor and creditor’s attorney in federal court.
• Services to new boats never launched are not subject to maritime liens.
• Breach of contract for vessel purchase is not subject to maritime lien.
• Recordings of maritime liens are not subject to UCC regulations and are optional, resulting in secret liens.

Examples of maritime liens

Debts secured by a maritime lien may include:

Maritime foreclosure process

The foreclosure process for a maritime lien varies greatly from home foreclosures. If a creditor files a maritime lien claim in federal court, a federal judge can order a federal marshal to seize the vessel without a hearing or issuing a judgment. The creditor has tremendous power and rights in stopping a vessel owner from sailing away to avoid the lien.
Stevens & Goldwyn, P.A. represents creditors throughout the maritime lien process and makes every effort to effectively and efficiently pursue and/or defend your case.