I purchased my home in 1980. The builder went bankrupt shortly after I moved in and some companies put liens on the house a few months after I had moved in. By my understanding they were not legal since the time had elapsed and they did no work for me. These liens are still on the house after more than 30 years and are no longer valid since they were never properly executed.
How can I get rid of them without a lot of expense... annoying since they should never have been allowed in the first place.

You would have to go to court and submit proof that the liens were either invalid or no longer valid. And get court orders to have them removed.

annoying since they should never have been allowed in the first place.Hello r:

Annoying?? Wait until you try to sell.. It'll be MORE than annoying... What makes you think they shouldn't have been allowed? Filing a lien is exactly the remedy a sub contractor has when he's not paid. Problem is, it should have went against HIM before he sold it to you... I don't know why it didn't.

I know you don't want to go to any expense, but I don't know of ANY way to do this WITHOUT the services of a real estate attorney. I'd go to the one who handled your sale back then.

excon

... By my understanding they were not legal since the time period had elapsed and they did no work for me. ...

If the mechanics' liens were not filed in a timely manner it should be evident to anyone examining your title. Same is true if they were not followed up with a lawsuit within a few months of filing.

Ask the title company what documentation they will need to remove the liens as exceptions to the title insurance.