I loaned my exfiance $60,000 and I had him sign a promissory note (not notarized but I have a copy of the cashed check and he is not disputing it but he doesn't have the money to pay me back at this time). How can I file a lien on his property (California) which is paid off. Thanks!

You will first have to sue him and get a judgement. Then you can file a lien.

Of course if he will just sign a lien over to you, ( agrees to do it) then you can have a it written up, he sign it and you file it.

Do I need a lawyer to file the lien or I can do it myself?