ClauseryFree general release of liability template (Word)
A settlement agreement where one party (releasor) releases another (releasee) from all known and unknown claims arising from a specific incident or dispute, usually in exchange for payment.
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A general release (or release and waiver) is signed after an incident, dispute or termination where the parties agree to settle: the releasing party gives up their right to sue in exchange for something of value (usually money). It is common after car accidents, employment terminations, personal injuries and contract disputes.
Once signed, a release generally bars future claims related to the matter. Make sure the settlement amount, scope of claims and any non-disclosure/non-disparagement terms are fully understood before signing — you cannot come back later for more money from the same incident.
What to include#
- Parties. Releasor (person giving up claims) and releasee (person/company released); names, addresses and signing capacity.
- Incident/dispute. Description of the specific incident, dispute or matter being released (e.g. motor vehicle accident on date, employment through date).
- Consideration. What the releasor is receiving in exchange (payment amount, return of property, non-monetary terms).
- Scope of release. Release of all known and unknown claims, up to the effective date, including waiving Civil Code section 1542 (or equivalent) where applicable.
- Other terms. Non-disclosure/confidentiality, non-disparagement, no admission of liability, governing law, and whether future claims from unknown injuries are included.
How to fill it in#
Step 1: Negotiate the terms
Agree on the settlement amount, scope of release and any NDA terms before drafting.
Step 2: Identify the incident clearly
Describe the incident/dispute specifically so future claims from unrelated matters are not accidentally released.
Step 3: Spell out consideration
State the dollar amount or other consideration being exchanged — a release without consideration is generally unenforceable.
Step 4: Include unknown-claims waiver
Include a waiver of unknown claims (e.g. California Civil Code 1542) if you want a full and final release.
Step 5: Sign and exchange funds
Both parties sign; releasee pays the settlement; each party gets a fully signed copy.
Related templates and guides
Questions
Can I sue after signing a release?
Generally no for released claims; exceptions exist for fraud, duress, unknown injuries the release does not cover, or claims that cannot be waived by law.
Do I need a lawyer?
For small disputes a template can work; for car accidents, employment claims or medical injuries consult an attorney — signing the wrong release can cost you dearly.
Is a verbal release enforceable?
Rarely — releases of legal claims generally must be in writing and signed; always put releases on paper.
What about future medical bills?
Include a waiver of unknown injuries/claims (and specifically mention it) if you want to release them; otherwise a releasor can come back for later-discovered injuries.
Can minors sign a release?
Generally no, and parent-signed releases for minors are often not enforceable; court approval may be needed.
These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.