Lien is defined as which?

• A. A legal right on personal or real property because of an unpaid debt or other reason
• B. A notice that a lawsuit is pending having to do with the right to real property
• C. An order by the court ordering someone to do an act or refrain from doing an act
• D. A trial with only one party appearing

Answer: (A)

Lien is a legal right on property used as security for a debt or obligation. This means the creditor has a claim against either real property (like land or a house) or personal property (like a car) until the debt is paid or the obligation is satisfied. A lien doesn't transfer ownership; it gives the creditor a way to force payment, often by selling the property to recover the amount owed. Liens can be voluntary, such as a mortgage, or involuntary, such as a tax lien or a mechanic’s lien.

Why this definition fits best: it captures the essence of a lien as a property-based security interest tied to unpaid debt or obligation.

The other descriptions describe different concepts: a notice of pending litigation affecting property is a lis pendens, not a lien. A court order directing someone to do or stop doing something is an injunction. A trial with only one party appearing points to a default or ex parte situation, not a lien.