I recently built a new house and received a $30,000 charge 30 days AFTER my construction loan closed. I am disputing some of the charges; however, my bigger issue is that the builder slapped a lien on me before I had a final occupancy permit and also before final payment was due. These acts are both violations of our written construction contract.
My question is this: What level of damage do I need to prove in order to win a slander of title suit? I have already been declined for a 2nd mortgage because of the lien. I had been current on all prior charges; the only dispute was over this last charge. He claims I am delinquent, yet, I can't be delinquent on a disputed charge, can I? My attorney seems to think we have a case, but I need to know what I have to provide to prevail. And no, I am not looking at "hitting a jackpot". I simply want the lien to go away and yet still punish this guy for financially tying me up for 5 months time. Any Thoughts??

