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Trusted Construction Debt Collection Attorney — Legal Services

When construction invoices go unpaid, deadlines matter. Carno Law Group helps contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, haulers, and equipment providers pursue recovery through mechanic’s liens, stop payment notices, payment bond claims, direct lawsuits, and negotiated resolutions. Get focused legal guidance designed to preserve statutory rights, reduce business disruption, and move payment disputes toward a practical outcome.

Construction attorney reviewing unpaid project invoices

Our Construction Debt Collection Services

Targeted legal remedies for unpaid construction invoices, statutory claims, bond rights, and collection litigation.

Payment Disputes

Representation for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment providers pursuing unpaid construction balances through statutory remedies, contract claims, prompt payment statutes, collection demands, and litigation when negotiation does not resolve the dispute.

Mechanic’s Liens

Preparation, recording, foreclosure, and defense of California mechanic’s liens for private construction projects, including preliminary notice review, lien priority issues, release bonds, and enforcement in California Superior Court.

Stop Payment Notices

Stop payment notice preparation, service, and enforcement for public works and qualifying private projects, helping unpaid subcontractors and suppliers preserve rights to withheld construction funds before statutory windows close.

Bond Claims

Federal Miller Act and California Little Miller Act payment bond claim support for unpaid public works subcontractors and suppliers, including notice analysis, surety negotiations, and bond litigation when necessary.

Collection Litigation

Direct lawsuits and commercial collection actions based on contract balances, change orders, retention, extra work, and related construction payment claims in state or federal court where appropriate.

Construction Claims

Integrated construction law support for payment-related disputes involving delay, disruption, acceleration, change orders, differing site conditions, prime-subcontractor conflicts, and public or private project enforcement strategy.

Attorney organizing construction payment claim documents

Our Construction Collection Process

Review Contracts, Invoices, and Deadlines

Carno Law Group begins by reviewing the contract, change orders, invoices, payment applications, preliminary notices, project completion status, and applicable California statutory deadlines to identify which recovery remedies remain available.

Preserve Statutory Payment Rights

Prepare Demand and Claim Documentation

Negotiate With Decision-Makers and Sureties

Litigate When Payment Is Refused

Trusted Construction Counsel

Client Results

See how focused construction litigation support helps contractors pursue payment while protecting day-to-day business operations.

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci
The Carno Difference

Why Choose Carno Law Group?

Focused construction payment counsel for businesses that need timely, strategic recovery.

Payment Focus

Deep experience enforcing contractors’ and suppliers’ payment rights through California construction remedies.

Court Experience

Representation in both state and federal courts for complex construction and business disputes.

Industry Insight

Serves contractors, subcontractors, haulers, material suppliers, engineers, and equipment providers.

Practical Resolution

Uses negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation to pursue cost-effective payment outcomes.

Meet The Legal Team

Experienced advocates for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and construction businesses.

Portrait of Anna M. Carno, President of Carno Law Group

Anna M. Carno

President

Anna M. Carno is the President of Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, and the driving force behind one of California's preeminent construction litigation firms. Based in Laguna Hills, Anna leads a practice dedicated to serving contractors, subcontractors, haulers, and material and equipment providers across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. Her deep expertise spans mechanic's lien law, stop notice claims, bond claims, bid disputes, and WBE/MBE/DBE/DVBE certification issues. Anna brings an unmatched combination of tenacity and integrity to every case, representing clients in both state and federal courts. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Orange County Bar Association and California Women Lawyers, and is committed to delivering superior client service and meaningful results.

Portrait of Samuel Romero, Of Counsel at Carno Law Group

Samuel Romero

Of Counsel

Samuel Romero serves as Of Counsel at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, bringing seasoned legal insight to the firm's robust construction litigation practice. In his Of Counsel role, Samuel supports the firm's representation of contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and material suppliers on both private and public works construction projects throughout California. His experience complements the firm's expertise in mechanic's lien law, surety matters, bond claims, and general business litigation. Samuel is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence, contributing to the firm's track record of significant and successful outcomes. His collaborative approach and depth of knowledge make him a trusted resource for clients across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Portrait of Joseph Cumming, Associate Attorney at Carno Law Group

Joseph Cumming

Associate Attorney

Joseph Cumming is an Associate Attorney at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, where he plays an integral role in the firm's construction litigation and business law practice. Joseph works closely with clients including general contractors, specialty subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment providers, assisting them with a wide range of legal matters from mechanic's lien claims and stop notices to corporate formation and indemnity issues. His dedication to thorough legal analysis and client advocacy reflects the firm's core values of excellence and superior client service. Joseph is committed to providing aggressive, results-oriented representation while helping clients minimize disruptions to their business operations across Southern California.

Portrait of Kayla Trujillo Perez, Paralegal at Carno Law Group

Kayla Trujillo Perez

Paralegal

Kayla Trujillo Perez serves as a Paralegal at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, providing essential legal support to the firm's attorneys and clients across a broad range of construction litigation and business law matters. Kayla assists with case preparation, document management, research, and coordination, ensuring that every matter progresses efficiently and accurately. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are vital to the firm's ability to deliver timely, cost-effective legal services. Kayla is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of client service that define Carno Law Group, and her contributions help clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California feel supported at every stage of the legal process.

Portrait of Mary Jane Ollaca, Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group

Mary Jane Ollaca

Legal Assistant

Mary Jane Ollaca is a Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, where she provides vital administrative and legal support to the firm's attorneys and staff. Mary Jane plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, assisting with client communications, document preparation, filing, and case coordination. Her professionalism and commitment to superior client service help create a welcoming and efficient experience for contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and all other clients served by the firm. Mary Jane's dedication to excellence supports Carno Law Group's mission to deliver outstanding legal representation to businesses throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Portrait of Kiana Rauda, Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group

Kiana Rauda

Legal Assistant

Kiana Rauda is a Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, contributing her skills and dedication to the firm's fast-paced construction litigation practice. Kiana supports the legal team with administrative tasks, document management, client correspondence, and case logistics, helping ensure that every client receives attentive and responsive service. Her commitment to accuracy and professionalism reflects the firm's core values of excellence and dedication. Kiana's contributions are essential to the firm's ability to efficiently handle matters ranging from mechanic's lien claims to corporate legal issues for contractors and suppliers across Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a construction debt collection attorney do?

A construction debt collection attorney helps contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, haulers, and equipment providers pursue unpaid balances from construction projects. This may include reviewing contracts, preserving mechanic’s lien or stop notice rights, preparing demand letters, pursuing payment bond claims, filing prompt payment claims, negotiating settlements, and litigating in court or arbitration when payment is refused.

When should I contact an attorney about an unpaid construction invoice?

Can Carno Law Group help with mechanic’s liens?

What if my unpaid work was on a public works project?

Do construction payment disputes always require litigation?

What documents should I gather before a consultation?

Can unpaid retention or change orders be collected?

Does Carno Law Group offer a free initial consultation?

Still Have Construction Payment Questions?

Connect with a construction payment attorney for focused guidance.

Credentialed Counsel

Awards and Recognition

State Bar of California credential

State Bar California

Licensed to practice California law.

United Contractors membership

United Contractors

Construction industry membership supporting contractor advocacy.

Associated General Contractors membership

AGC America

Associated General Contractors of America membership.

Recover Unpaid Construction Balances

Tell Carno Law Group about your unpaid invoice, project role, deadlines, and documents. The team will review your situation and discuss practical next steps for pursuing payment.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 949-540-0320.