Mechanic's liens are governed under Chapter 376 of Kentucky Revised Statutes (K.R.S.). Although Kentucky law doesn't provide a required format for a waiver, claimants can use various types of lien waivers in order to simplify payments between contractors, subcontractors, customers, and property owners. A waiver is a knowing relinquishment of a right. In this case, the person granting the waiver is relinquishing the right to seek a mechanic's lien for all or part of the amount due. This assurance is usually enough to get the other party to pay.

Lien waivers are generally either based on a partial/progress payment or a final payment, and may be conditional or unconditional. Partial waivers release a portion of the lien rights, determined by the amount paid. Final waivers release all lien rights because the balance is paid in full. Conditional waivers give more protection to the claimant, and are dependent on any payments clearing the bank. Unconditional waivers give the advantage to the party responsible for paying, and take effect immediately upon recording, regardless of whether or not the bank covers the check.

Regardless of their nature, waivers must identify the parties, a description of the location and type of goods and/or services provided, significant dates, fees, and payments. Record the completed waiver in the office responsible for maintaining the land records for the county where the subject property is located.

A partial unconditional waiver is also used when a progress or partial payment is made, but signifies that lien rights are waived to the extent of the amount paid or purported to be paid. The waiver is not conditioned upon the actual receipt of that money, and the right to seek a lien for that amount is forfeited regardless of payment actually going through.

This article is provided for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice from a legal professional. Please speak with an attorney with questions about using a lien waiver, or for any other issues related to liens in Kentucky.

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

What Others Like You Are Saying

— Debra B.

"I was very glad to have this option for filing a form as it would have taken 4 days due to offices b…"

— Klint D.

"Quick and easy"

— Karen W.

"Great experience. Easy."

— Cynthia E.

"Disappointed that you were not able to provide me with the information requested. They did issue a r…"

— Janice T.

"The downloads were a great help in understanding of both what a Warranty Deed was and how to follow …"

Common Uses for Partial Unconditional Lien Waiver

Document a change order that affects the scope of a project
Protect payment rights for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
Provide required pre-lien notice before filing a claim
Protect subcontractor payment rights on a building project
Protect your right to payment for home improvement work
Document partial payment received on a construction project

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 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 Full Release of Memorandum of Contract Mortgage and Promissory Note Deed of Release for release of Mortgage Affidavit of Abandonment

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our partial unconditional lien waiver 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.

Back to Kentucky Forms