West Virginia Release of Memorandum of Contract

County Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as April 30, 2026 by our Forms Development Team

About the West Virginia Release of Memorandum of Contract

West Virginia Release of Memorandum of Contract
Select County from List

How to Use This Form

  1. Select your county from the list on the left
  2. Download the county-specific form
  3. Fill in the required information
  4. Have the document notarized if required
  5. Record with your county recorder's office

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When a Memorandum of Land Contract should Be Released in WV
1. The Land Contract Has Fully Closed
-Deed has been delivered and recorded
-Purchase price paid in full
-Contract merged into the deed
a. Release immediately after deed recording

2. The Land Contract Is Terminated or Canceled
Examples:
-Mutual written termination
-Buyer default and contract termination
-Seller forfeiture (if allowed by contract)
a. Release as soon as termination is effective Leaving it of record after termination improperly clouds title.

3. The Contract Has Expired by Its Own Terms
-Option period ended
-Time-limited contract expired without closing
a. Release once expiration occurs

4. A Replacement Instrument Has Been -Recorded
-Deed in lieu
-Assignment or novation that supersedes the original contract
a. Release original memorandum

5. Upon Written Demand by Seller or Title Company
-WV recognizes that unreleased memoranda can create a false cloud on title
-Title insurers routinely require a release before closing any later transaction
a. Release promptly to avoid title objections

When a Memorandum SHOULD NOT Be Released
-While the contract is still active
-Before buyer’s equitable interest ends
-Without authority (unless unilateral release rights exist)

Who Can Execute the Release in WV?
a. Best Practice
Both parties (Buyer & Seller)
b. Commonly Accepted
Buyer alone (the party who benefited from the memorandum)
c. Also Accepted (if contract allows) Seller alone, if:
Contract authorizes unilateral release upon default/termination
-Affidavit of termination or forfeiture is recorded
-WV clerks typically accept any of the above if the release is properly executed and notarized.
-Practical Title-Company Rule (What Actually Matters)
-If the memorandum no longer reflects a current property interest, it should not remain of record.

Failing to release:
-Clouds title
-Delays refinancing or resale
-triggers title underwriting exceptions

(WV-Specific): Release promptly upon payoff, termination, or expiration
Instrument number alone is sufficient
No statute mandates timing, but delay creates title risk
title companies expect release before any new conveyance

How to Use This Form

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

What Others Like You Are Saying

— RAYMOND W.

"Thank you for the comprehensive forms - very much appreciated!"

— Rosanne E.

"Excellent response and all went well with downloading documents. Thank you for offering this importa…"

— Kim L.

"Got the quit claim forms, amazing really. Easy to understand, looked great when completed, accepted …"

— Maria G.

"Very easy and fast. Couldnt ask for anything better."

— Charles W.

"in one of the reviews, the person said they wished that there was more room allowed for use in the g…"

Common Uses for Release of Memorandum of Contract

  • Document a rent-to-own or lease-purchase arrangement
  • Provide public notice of a land contract to protect the buyer
  • Release a previously recorded affidavit of equitable interest
  • Memorialize a contract for deed in the county records
  • Remove a recorded land contract lien after final payment

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our release of memorandum of contract forms are specifically formatted for each county in West Virginia.

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.