Texas Judicial Findings regarding Instrument Purporting to Create a Lien of Claim

Judgment liens in Texas expire after ten years, as do federal tax liens, and both stay attached to the property even it if changes owners. A mortgage lien remains valid on a property until the debt is paid in full. Also, many liens may be renewed before they expire.

If a lien is filed on your property and you believe the lien is wrongful, you, the property owner have a right to contest the lien. In some cases, you may be able to file a summary motion to remove a lien. This is a lawsuit filed in district court that will allow the almost immediate removal of the lien.

Texas has a homestead exemption, which means creditors can still place liens on a debtor's primary real estate, but they cannot seize the property. However, having a lien on your homestead still clouds the title.

Pay off your debt. Fill out a release-of-lien form and have the lien holder sign it. Run out the statute of limitations. Get a court order. Make a claim with your title insurance company. Learn more:

About the release form This form should be filed with the recorder's office in the Texas county where the lien was originally recorded. Texas law requires claimants to file a lien release within 10 days after the lien is satisfied, or upon request from the property owner.

Write your name and return address in the top three lines of the letter. Insert the complete date (month, day, year). Enter the recipient's name, title, company name and address on the next five lines. Greet the reader by writing "Dear (recipient's name):" Skip two lines. State the subject in a subject line.

Lenders in Texas customarily use a release of lien when the loan secured by a deed of trust has been paid in full or otherwise satisfied.The release of lien is recorded in the county where the real property collateral is located.

If a lien is filed on your property and you believe the lien is wrongful, you, the property owner have a right to contest the lien. In some cases, you may be able to file a summary motion to remove a lien. This is a lawsuit filed in district court that will allow the almost immediate removal of the lien.

Your lawyer will help you decide whether to fight the lien in court or negotiate a settlement.In some, you may be able to fend off a lien if: You prove that you've paid your construction bills fully and on time. You prove that the contractor who filed the lien has breached his contract and doesn't deserve to be paid.