Lien Waiver
A signed release that gives up lien rights in exchange for payment. The type you sign — conditional or unconditional — changes everything.
AI-assisted document tools — not legal advice. A starting point you can understand and customize.
What it is
A lien waiver is a document a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier signs to release their right to file a mechanic's lien, usually in exchange for a payment. There are four common types built from two choices: conditional vs. unconditional (does the release depend on the payment actually clearing?) and partial vs. final (does it cover one progress payment or the whole job?). Signing the wrong one can waive rights for money you have not received.
When you’d use it
- You are receiving a progress payment and the payer asks for a waiver.
- You are closing out a job and signing a final release.
- You are a GC or owner collecting waivers before releasing funds.
- You want to confirm a waiver is conditional before you have actually been paid.
Key sections & clauses
The parts a lien waiver usually needs to cover. Use them as a checklist — XOsign flags the ones a draft is missing.
Type of waiver
Conditional or unconditional, and partial (progress) or final.
Claimant & payer
Who is waiving rights and who is making the payment.
Payment amount
The exact dollar figure the waiver covers.
Through date
The date through which work and payment are covered.
Project / property identification
The job the waiver applies to, by address or legal description.
Exceptions
Any retainage, pending change orders, or disputed amounts carved out.
Understand it, translate it, strengthen it, sign it.
The same four steps behind every XOsign agreement — from the moment you upload or start a draft to the moment it’s signed.
Understand it
XOsign reads the document and explains every clause in plain language, so you know what you're agreeing to before you sign — not after.
Translate it
Read and sign in English or Spanish. XOsign presents the agreement side by side so nobody signs a document they can't fully read.
Strengthen it
XOsign flags missing, vague, or one-sided terms and suggests clearer language — so the agreement actually protects you.
Sign it
Send it for legally binding e-signature (ESIGN/UETA) with a tamper-evident audit trail and a trusted timestamp on the signed copy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a conditional and unconditional lien waiver?
What is the difference between a partial and a final lien waiver?
Should I sign a lien waiver before I get paid?
XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice. These templates are starting points you can understand and customize — not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. Requirements vary by state and situation.
Start your lien waiver in XOsign.
Understand every clause, translate it for whoever signs, and send it for signature — all in one place.