West Virginia § 38-2-20 - 38-2-20. Preliminary notice to owner; effect.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 38-2-20 — 38-2-20. Preliminary notice to owner; effect., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-2-20. 38-2-20. Preliminary notice to owner; effect.
Any laborer or other person employed to do any work or furnish any materials or machinery for the erection, construction, alteration, repair or removal of any building or other structure, or any improvement appurtenant thereto, by another who may have contracted with the owner therefor may, before doing any work or furnishing any material or machinery, give the owner of such building or other structure or improvement thereto notice in writing that if he is not paid therefor by the person employing him he will look to the owner for payment; and it shall not be necessary for the person who has given such notice in writing to file the account and notice with the owner within sixty days of the date of the doing of the last work or of the furnishing of the last of such materials or machinery, unless he is required by the owner in writing within such sixty days to do so, and his neglect or failure to file such notice and account within sixty days, unless so required to do so, shall in no way affect or impair his lien if it be otherwise perfected and preserved, as provided in this article.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 38-2-20
What does West Virginia Code § 38-2-20 cover?
Section 38-2-20 ("38-2-20. Preliminary notice to owner; effect.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 38-2-20?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 38-2-20" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 38-2-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.