Contractors, release of lien

[Brenda Whittaker]

Listened to a BP podcast this morning about flipping and contractors, and heard about getting them to sign a release of lien so they dont come back and try to lien your property if the general doesnt pay the subs or whatever other reason.  Where can I get this "release of lien"?  Is this a common document you can find in an office store?  Do I write one up myself?  Do I ask an attorney?  What is a release of lien (I know what it means, but what is it, physically, a piece of paper that I can download somewhere?   Something an attorney would have?)  Where can I find this?  I have some old rentals in need of serious repair right now, and I am about to hire someone to do $12,000 worth of work on one, I'd like to get that release of lien first.  Thanks.