Once the contract is fulfilled, terminated, or void, the recorded memorandum needs to be released to:

1. Clear Title
A recorded memorandum clouds the title and may prevent:
Refinancing
Selling the property
Title insurance being issued
Releasing it removes the cloud and restores a clear record of ownership.

2. Document the End of the Agreement
A release shows that the agreement no longer has legal force.
It protects both parties from future disputes or claims.

3. Protect Future Buyers
Prevents confusion or legal complications for a future buyer or lender who may otherwise believe the contract is still active.

When to Release a Memorandum of Contract
You should release the memorandum as soon as one of the following happens:
1. The Contract is Completed
The buyer made the final payment and received the deed.
At this point, the contract for deed is fulfilled, and the memo should be released.

2. The Contract is Terminated
Due to buyer default
Mutual agreement to cancel
Abandonment of the property
Any reason the deal is no longer in force
In these cases, the party who recorded the memorandum (usually the buyer) should file a Release of Memorandum of Contract with the County Clerk where it was originally recorded.
3. By Court Order
If one party refuses to release it (e.g., an uncooperative buyer), the other party may file a quiet title action and obtain a court order to release it.

Who Releases It?
Typically the buyer (as the “releasor”), because they usually record the memorandum.
But if the buyer is in default, the seller may need to:
Request the release
Or take legal action to force it

Record with the County Clerk’s office.
For us in Kentucky only.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Full Release of Memorandum of Contract

Establish a buyer's equitable interest in a property under contract
Record a memorandum to protect the buyer's equitable interest
Create an installment sale agreement for vacant land
Document the abandonment of a buyer's interest in a land contract

Compare other Kentucky deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination, Cancellation of Easement / Right of Way Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Affidavit of Surviving Joint Tenant Executor Deed Administrator Deed Affidavit of Descent Limited Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Real Property Limited Power of Attorney for the Sale of Property Durable Power of Attorney Notice of Furnishing Notice to Owner Mechanics Lien Discharge of Lien Discharge of Lien by Bond Partial Conditional Lien Waiver Partial Unconditional Lien Waiver Final Conditional Lien Waiver Final Unconditional Lien Waiver Lis Pendens Lis Pendens Release Disclaimer of Interest Certificate of Trust Contract for Deed and Promissory Note Memorandum of Contract Mortgage and Promissory Note Deed of Release for release of Mortgage Affidavit of Abandonment

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our full release of memorandum of contract forms are specifically formatted for each county in Kentucky.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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