Golden v. General Builders Supply LLC

In this appeal, we consider (1) whether a civil action to enforce a mechanic’s hen may be filed as a counterclaim in the property owner’s action to discharge that same hen, and (2) if so, whether such a counterclaim relates back to the filing date of the property owner’s complaint for purposes of determining whether the hen enforcement action was timely commenced. See G. L. c. 254, §§ 5, 11, 15A; G. L. c. 260, § 36. The plaintiff owner, Sandra K. Golden, filed an action to discharge the defendant’s hen pursuant to G. L. c. 254, § 15A (b) and (c). The defendant, General Builders Supply LLC…