§ 2A:44-140 — Determination of validity of liens and amount due; judgment; ratable distribution; priority of laborer's lien; claim of subcontractor chargeable with amount paid to claimants

The superior court shall determine the validity and priorities of the liens of the plaintiffs and defendants and of all other liens which may be filed within the time prescribed by this article and the amount due from the public agency to the contractor under the contract and from the contractor or subcontractor to the respective claimants and shall enter judgment directing the public agency, out of moneys due from it to the contractor, to pay to the several claimants the sums found due to them respectively, with interest and costs upon claims adjudged to be just and valid under this article. If the amount due from the public agency to the contractor is not sufficient to make the payments in full, distribution shall be made ratably without regard to the priority in filing claims, and in either case the claims of the subcontractors shall be chargeable with the amounts paid to the claimants under them for labor performed and materials furnished in the execution of the subcontract; provided, however, a laborer shall have a lien prior to other liens upon filing notice under this article at any time before payments are due and made. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.