South Carolina § 29-5-120 - Time for bringing suit to enforce lien; dissolution and release of lien.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 29-5-120 — Time for bringing suit to enforce lien; dissolution and release of lien., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-5-120. Time for bringing suit to enforce lien; dissolution and release of lien.
(A) Unless a suit for enforcing the lien is commenced and notice of pendency of the action is filed within six months after the person desiring to avail himself of it ceases to labor on or furnish labor or material for the building or structure, the lien must be dissolved.
(B) A mechanics' lien and associated bonds may be released by a court order, a written affidavit of the bond holder's attorney, or by a written affidavit from the defendant's attorney stating:
(1) six months has passed since the lien was attached and no suit or notice of pendency has been filed; or
(2) the failure of the filing party to take some other timely action required by this chapter. This affidavit must be in the form approved by the appropriate local office where the mechanics' lien was filed and must reference the lien's recording information.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 45-262; 1952 Code SECTION 45-262; 1942 Code SECTION 8737; 1932 Code SECTION 8737; Civ. C. '22 SECTION 5649; Civ. C. '12 SECTION 4119; Civ. C. '02 SECTION 3014; G. S. 2356; R. S. 2471; 1869 (14) 220; 1873 (15) 350; 1957 (50) 181; 2009 Act No. 40, SECTION 3, eff June 2, 2009.
Effect of Amendment
The 2009 amendment designated subsection (A) and added subsection (B) relating to conditions under which lien may be released.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 29-5-120
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 29-5-120 cover?
Section 29-5-120 ("Time for bringing suit to enforce lien; dissolution and release of lien.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 29-5-120?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 29-5-120" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 29-5-120 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.