I don't know the Mechanic's Lien laws in Virginia, but this is not how they work in Ohio.

Suit has to begin within 6 months of recording the M/L- this is a suit to enforce the claims of the M/L. If no suit is filed ,it just expires.

In Ohio, Mechanic's Liens are good for 6 years.  The owner can file a Notice to Commence Suit and serve it on the lienholder.  The lienholder then has to file suit within 60-days or the lien is extinguished.

There are some technical requirements that have to be met - so I'd recommend looking at the statute before making any determinations. 

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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