Check with your jurisdiction, but here in NB, the supplier has 90 days from completion of the work to file a lien for unpaid bills by the contractor. Then, the supplier has to go to court to 'prove' the lien.
If the work was done last year, the lien period is over. The supplier is SOL. The are trying to intimidate your mother, and they should be ashamed of themselves.
Incidentally, this is why there is a provision under the 'Mechanics Lien Act' for you to hold back a percentage of the payment due to the contractor - here in NB, it is 15%, you are supposed to hold back until 90 days or the contractor gives you a sworn statement that all subs and suppliers have been paid in full. Contractors hate the hold back, but it is the law.
If you don't hold back the 15%, and something like this happens, the courts may rule that you are liable for the 15% that you didn't hold back.
How do I know? Our contractor went bankrupt when building our house, and there were 12 liens filed against our house. A good lawyer is an essential thing.
