Free California Statutory Lien Waiver Forms (Civil Code §§ 8132–8138)
California is a strict statutory-form state: the exact language of every lien waiver is dictated by statute. A waiver that deviates from the wording in California Civil Code §§ 8132, 8134, 8136, and 8138 is not effective to release a mechanic's lien, stop payment notice, or payment bond right. QuickWaiver auto-locks the statutory language so your California subs sign the compliant version every time.
The Four Required California Waiver Types
Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment (§ 8132)
Signed before or at the time payment is delivered. Becomes effective only once the payment actually clears — the safest form for a subcontractor to sign.
Unconditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment (§ 8134)
States that the progress payment has already been received. Effective the moment it is signed — do not sign unless the funds are in hand.
Conditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment (§ 8136)
Final payment version of the conditional form. Waives all remaining lien, stop notice, and bond rights once the final check clears.
Unconditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment (§ 8138)
Final payment received in full. Immediately releases all lien, stop notice, and payment bond rights on the project.
Why exact phrasing is legally mandatory
Civil Code § 8122 states that a written waiver and release is not effective to release a claimant's rights unless it follows the specific format prescribed in §§ 8132–8138. California courts strictly enforce this rule — an ad-hoc release that omits the required "NOTICE TO CLAIMANT" language or the specified conditional/unconditional structure will not extinguish the underlying claim rights.
The practical implication for General Contractors and lenders: draws are commonly held or rejected when waivers in the package are not on the statutory form. QuickWaiver removes that risk by locking the §§ 8132–8138 body text and letting you fill only the dynamic fields (claimant, amount, project, through date).
Generate a California Waiver — Free
Preview the exact §§ 8132–8138 statutory text populated with your project details, live.
Open Free Generator (California)