Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Release of Lien
I need a release of lien document for a residential property in California, ensuring the lien is removed within 15 days of payment confirmation, with notarization and compliance with state real estate laws.
What is a Release of Lien?
A Release of Lien is a legal document that removes a claim against property. When someone pays off a debt that was secured by their property - like a mortgage, construction lien, or tax lien - they'll need this document to prove the debt is settled and the property is now "clear."
Property owners typically get a Release of Lien from their lender, contractor, or government agency after making their final payment. This release is essential for selling property or getting new loans, as it shows potential buyers and lenders that no one else has a claim on the property. County records offices keep these documents on file as official proof that the lien has been removed.
When should you use a Release of Lien?
You need a Release of Lien when you've paid off a debt that was secured by your property and want to prove the property is free from claims. Common situations include finishing mortgage payments, completing home renovation projects where contractors placed liens, or resolving tax liens after settling with the IRS.
Getting this release quickly is crucial when you're planning to sell your property, refinance a loan, or take out new financing. Many real estate transactions stall without proper lien releases on file. Title companies require them to ensure clean property transfers, and mortgage lenders need them to approve new loans. Having releases ready speeds up these transactions significantly.
What are the different types of Release of Lien?
- Mortgage Lien Release Form: Used when a home loan is paid off, releasing the bank's claim on the property
- Waiver and Release of Lien: Common in construction, releasing contractor claims after payment
- Lien Release Letter For Car: Removes financial institution's claim on a vehicle after loan payoff
- Mechanic Liability Waiver Form: Releases mechanic's lien rights for automotive repairs
- Property Waiver Form: General release for various property-related claims and interests
Who should typically use a Release of Lien?
- Property Owners: Need the release to prove their property is free from claims after paying off debts or resolving liens
- Lenders: Issue releases for paid-off mortgages and other secured loans, often through their legal departments
- Contractors: Provide releases after receiving payment for construction work or improvements
- Title Companies: Review and verify releases during property transactions to ensure clean transfers
- County Recorders: Process and maintain official records of lien releases in public records
- Legal Professionals: Draft and review releases, ensuring compliance with state recording requirements
How do you write a Release of Lien?
- Property Details: Gather exact legal description, address, and parcel number from property records
- Original Lien Info: Locate filing date, amount, and recording details of the original lien
- Payment Verification: Document proof that the debt has been fully satisfied
- Party Information: Collect legal names and addresses of both lien holder and property owner
- County Requirements: Check local recording office's formatting and notarization rules
- Digital Template: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant release document with all required elements
- Signatures: Arrange for authorized representatives to sign and notarize the release
What should be included in a Release of Lien?
- Property Description: Detailed legal description of the property, including address and parcel number
- Lien Details: Original lien amount, filing date, and recording information
- Release Statement: Clear declaration that the lien holder releases all claims against the property
- Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both lien holder and property owner
- Payment Confirmation: Statement acknowledging full satisfaction of the underlying debt
- Jurisdiction: Governing law and county where the release will be recorded
- Signature Block: Space for authorized signatures, dates, and notary acknowledgment
- Recording Info: Required formatting and margins per local recording office rules
What's the difference between a Release of Lien and a Lien Waiver?
A Release of Lien and a Lien Waiver serve different purposes in property and construction transactions. While they might seem similar, understanding their distinctions is crucial for proper use.
- Timing: A Release of Lien terminates an existing lien after payment, while a Lien Waiver prevents a future lien from being filed, often given before or during payment
- Legal Effect: A Release removes a recorded claim against property, whereas a Waiver surrenders the right to file a claim in the first place
- Usage Context: Releases typically involve banks and recorded liens, while Waivers are common in construction projects between contractors and property owners
- Documentation: Releases must be recorded with county offices to be effective, but Waivers are usually private agreements between parties
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.