Placing liens or taking clients to court isn't generally good for public relations.I can see that being more likely in the commercial market where the commissions are so much bigger.

To me there are more supreme court decisions that could be based on if you are on the law court.

If that doesn't work, see if they have insurance or you might consider small claims court to collect for the fees.Best of luck, time is an important factor here.

I realize the risk of me paying for the probates and him not selling to me as we agreed is real and thus I want to incentivize him to see the deal through after I pay for the probates - really want to avoid years of litigation and thousands more in court cost if he doesn't.

I do look them up in the state court record, but we haven't had them go through a screening company.

No lawyers allowed in small claims court.

I don't know  if  a court would require her to pay for the deleading  or not. 

Second position liens can be stripped through a motion of the court.

I looked up his court case and found out it was for 4-5 years of molestation of his girlfriend's daughter from the ages of 6 to 10.  

I considered taking them to small claims court but decided it was better to take it as a very valuable learning experience and move on.