An issue sometimes arises where the property owner doesn't want to make the final payment until the lien is released, and the contractor doesn't want to release the lien until the final payment check has cleared. A conditional release of the lien may resolve this situation. A conditional release will state that it is contingent on the payment clearing. If the check doesn't clear, the lien is reinstated. If the property owner tries to sell or mortgage the property, a conditional release lets a potential purchaser or lender know that more investigation is needed to determine if the property is free of the lien. In contrast, an unconditional release fully removes the lien from the property, with no possibility that it will be reinstated. The type and form of a lien release will vary, depending upon the state's law where the property is located and whether full or partial payment is made.