An equitable lien is a legal fiction created by courts in certain circumstances in which justice may require the creation of a lien. Courts of equity have the power to create so-called equitable liens on property to correct some injustice. For example, a person who lived on the property and contributed a substantial amount to the improvement of the property may be able to, with the assistance of the court, obtain a lien on the property by suing for a constructive trust.