What Process Does a Contractor Usually Have to Go Through

What process does a contractor usually have to go through to create a lien?

A) The contractor must file a lawsuit and ask the court to impose a judicial lien.
B) The homeowner must voluntarily agree in a written pre-construction contract to allow the contractor to create a lien.
C) The contractor must file a written notice of the lien on the property with the county clerk within a designated period of time.
D) The lien is created automatically be operation of law.There is no process.
E) The contractor must get consent of the homeowner to create a lien.