Years ago I bought a property and the previous owner financed the down payment. That loan has been paid off years ago but he never filed the paperwork to release the lien. It is a warranty deed with third party venders lien. I went to the property records website and I can't find a standard form for him to sign to release it. Is there a standard form somewhere for Harris County or is this something that needs to be written by a title company or real estate attorney? Does anyone have a recommendation of someone in the Houston area that could draft this document for me to have him sign so it can be filed with the county?

A title company should be able to do that. I believe the person that held the note is the one that will have to grant the release.

Thank you!! I will contact the original title company to see if they can create the document and then I will get it to him to sign. Technically, he should have taken care of this but I told him I would get it and he can sign it and I will take to the county. I just want it taken care of correctly while I can still contact him.

Keep in mind that it will have to be signed before a notary.

It used to be common for the lender to provide a signed release when the note was paid off. It seems that ended during the S&L collapse of the mid 80's. Now, your Deed of Trust most likely contains a provision that says it's your responsibility to have a release prepared and send it to the lender for signature. It is then your responsibility to to have it filed in the official records at the clerk's office.