My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: California
We've lost a house during October's 2007 wild fires. While we are not rebuilding on our lot, but our neighbors are. Our properties do have a common shared wall ( zero side setback), which is a wall of the our neighbor's house.
Under CC&R of HOA maintenance of the shared wall is shared, however, another statement says, if a someone damages a common property, they are responsible the cost of repairs - it is our neighbor's house - we did not destroy their wall, the fire affecting their house did.
A general contractor, who rebuilt their house asked me to pay 50% of the cost of shared retaining wall. I said, I'd pay, if my responsibility is confirmed by HOA.
I never got any confirmations. Once he completed that wall, he sent me an outrageous bill (about 10 fold of the real cost). I never agreed to pay, never signed any contracts with him, never discussed the cost. In 7 (seven!) months (much longer then required 90 days upon completion) he filed a mechanic's lien on my property.
My property is an escrow now and I need to submit a surety bond to release title.
How is usually submits and records such kind of bonds? I cannot find any information.
Can I file a request for lien removal before 90 days since recording expired?
The lien is clearly illegal.
Can I bring criminal charges against him by filing an intentionally false lien?
Any other options?
Thanks a lot.

