Home Q&A Forum Can you explain the process of releasing a lien on a property and what steps I need to take?

Real Estate

Release of Lien

California

Asked on Dec 22, 2024

Can you explain the process of releasing a lien on a property and what steps I need to take?

I recently purchased a property and discovered that there is a lien on it from a previous owner's unpaid taxes. I have been informed that I need to have the lien released in order to obtain clear title to the property. I am unsure of the specific steps involved in the release of lien process and would like to understand what actions I need to take to resolve this issue and ensure the lien is properly released.

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Answer

Real Estate

California

Answered 518 days ago

Hello! My name is Dolan and thank you so much for coming to the site. Once you’ve identified the lienholder (usually it's the county assessor), you’ll need to resolve the outstanding debt. Depending on the circumstances, this might mean paying off the unpaid taxes yourself if they were not cleared during the sale. If you’re paying the lien yourself, make sure to get documentation from the lienholder showing that the debt has been satisfied. Usually, this may just require going online to get a receipt or proof that the property has a zero balance. What else you can get is a lien release or satisfaction of lien. The lienholder is responsible for filing the release with the county recorder’s office (these are often in the same agencies), but it’s always a good idea to follow up and make sure it’s actually recorded. Let us know how else we can help! Thanks!

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Can a release of lien be obtained without paying off the underlying debt?

I purchased a property that had an existing lien on it, and the seller promised to obtain a release of lien before the closing, but now they are refusing to do so unless I pay off the remaining debt, even though the lien was filed against them, not me - I want to know if it is possible to obtain a release of lien without having to pay off the underlying debt.

View Jorge G.

Jorge G.

Answered Sep 19, 2025

The standard practice is that any lien against the property should be paid off at or before closing. You should also have obtained title insurance, which generally covers liens that were not satisfied. You should have received a copy of your title insurance policy sometime after closing, and the lien coverage (or any exception) should appear on the policy. At this point, you should contact an attorney to review all of your closing documents and advise you on the best course of action.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Release of Lien

Massachusetts

Asked on Sep 24, 2024

Can a release of lien be obtained if the original lienholder cannot be located?

I recently purchased a property and discovered that there is a lien against it from a previous owner's unpaid contractor. However, I have been unable to locate the original lienholder to request a release of lien. I need to know if it is possible to obtain a release of lien in this situation, and if so, what steps I should take to ensure the lien is cleared from the property's title.

View Thomas D.

4.9 (14)

Thomas D.

Answered Sep 27, 2024

You have several alternatives. Did your original title policy insure against liens? If so, I can work with the title company to have the lien removed. Second, if the lien is old, it may have already expired and can be removed as a matter of law. Third, there are procedures in every state to remove a lien if the lienholder cannot be located. Finally, we may be able to have the title insurance company insure over the lien. Tom

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Business

Release of Lien

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Asked on Dec 16, 2021

Lien on business name

My husband and I started a transportation company recently and learned a Lein has been put on the business by a company we have never heard of nor have any affiliation with

View T. Phillip B.

4.8 (5)

T. Phillip B.

Answered Jan 11, 2022

I'm assuming this is a UCC Lien on the business assets. You can file a release yourself with the IL Secretary of State. There's also an affidavit that will go with it.

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Purchase Agreement

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Asked on Sep 5, 2021

seller is a divorced man whose ex lives across street. She turned him in for not permitting a deck. Court applied restraining orders on both. seller had plans drawn and submitted but pandemic hit, He is in financial crisis and has a buyer for home whose bank has agreed to lend . seller has paid all violation fees but county is slow in helping him. he is evacuated from Caldor fire with his other home. Seller needs to due a subordination and let sale happen while county reviews his plans and inspects. Is there anything else he can do? California ..e

code violation paid in full but County is not open and working from home. have not been able to handle this issue in timely manner has been 2 1/2 yrs since first submitted drawings . he is not permitted to go in the area due to a nasty divorce and wife living across street..he also is diabetic and has been hospitalized and needs medicine not covered by insurance

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Donya G.

Answered Sep 24, 2021

You will need an attorney to advise you, as such, you will need to post your project on the website Here are the steps you need to take to accomplish this 1. Post the job you need to get accomplished – for example “ I am looking for a California attorney to assist me in the sale of my property and to help me get the county to approve the sale -------------“ 2. Once posted, attorneys on the website that are interested and qualified will respond to your posting 3. Choose an attorney/s based upon their qualifications and cover letter to have a quick call so that you can decide who you would like to hire. 4. After talking with attorneys, choose who you will decide to proceed with. Remember to discuss the cost of the project as well as how long it will take to be completed as well as when payments will be made. 5. Once you have decided who to hire, click “HIRE” and that attorney will now be hired by you. Donya Gordon, Esq.

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Asked on Sep 17, 2021

Please my client daughter write me about her properties , how can I reply her back, because her father said I should give her the properties when she's get married

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Donya G.

Answered Oct 5, 2021

Can you please reenter your question as I don't understand it. Thanks

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Can you explain the process of releasing a lien on a property and what steps I need to take?

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Dolan W.

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