I have a lein that is going to expire and have not been paid
A lien foreclosure suit must be filed in the Circuit Court in your county. You really need to have an attorney handle it. If you recorded it on your own without counsel it must be reviewed for accuracy, legal description etc. Did you serve a copy on the Owner by certified mail? The big question is how much money are we talking about? the Construction Lien Act does provide a possible award of attorney fees if successful. Yes the 12 month deadline is absolute.
The above response is provided as a courtesy and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. If you would like to contact me directly for a consultation, I am located in Port Huron (810) 987-3970. Since 1975.