Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair or affect the right of any person to whom any debt may be due for work performed or materials or services furnished to maintain a personal action against the person liable for such debt.
§ 1203.62.Personal Action to Whom Debt Due For Work Performed Or Materials and Services Furnished
Title 4. Of the Enforcement of Liens · Chapter 2.5. Oil and Gas Liens · Enacted 1959 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceSection 1203.62 confirms that nothing in the Oil and Gas Lien Act stops a person owed money for work, materials, or services from suing the person personally liable for that debt, separate from any lien remedy.
Full Text of § 1203.62
Plain-English Summary
A lien is one way to collect a debt, but it isn't the only way. This section makes clear the Oil and Gas Lien Act doesn't take away or limit the ordinary right to sue the person who owes the debt directly, in a personal action, regardless of any lien rights the claimant might also have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue someone personally for a debt covered by an oil and gas lien, instead of just foreclosing the lien?
Yes. Section 1203.62 preserves the right to bring a personal action against whoever is liable for the debt, independent of the lien.
Does pursuing the lien remedy under this chapter stop me from also suing on the debt itself?
No. Section 1203.62 makes clear the chapter's lien remedy doesn't impair or limit the right to maintain a personal action against the person liable for the debt.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 2020.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: personal action oil and gas lien debt california