My husband's customer on a residential project wrote a check for full payment, then stopped payment once he demobilized from the site. We called the police and filed a report. Long story short, she has agreed to meet us to release payment to avoid jail for a history of bad check and insurance fraud. I have a lien on the property but I want to protect myself after receiving payment. What kind of document should I request that she sign to ensure payment and protect myself from any libel that may affect my professional standing?
If she pays you with certifed funds, then you can satisfy/cancel the lien after payment. I don't think you need a document from her to do that. You can't really stop her from defaming you in the future. But if she does so, it may be something that exposes her to a lawsuit by you seeking damages.
Given this history, I would not release the lien unless/until the check is cleared. In fact, I would insist upon a bank check or certified check or a wire, if possible. If you're concerned about a relaliatory claim, I suggest having the customer sign a release for any claim that could arise from the pursuit of your rights in regard to the stop payment.