What is a Release of Claims Agreement?

Legal disputes are messy, expensive, and draining—for your time, your resources, and sometimes your sanity. 

When conflicts arise, you’re likely not looking for philosophical debates or courtroom dramas; you want a solution that’s quick, clear, and leaves no room for future surprises. That’s where a release of claims agreement comes in. It is a legally binding way to prevent disputes after settlement.

Why does it matter? Because unresolved disputes are like bad leftovers—they linger, take up space, and get increasingly unpleasant over time.

In the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Bharat Petroleum utilized release of claims agreements to settle with thousands of affected individuals, businesses, and government entities. These agreements allowed BP to manage its liabilities effectively, facilitating compensation to claimants while preventing future litigation related to the incident.

The concept of release of claims agreement is straightforward, but the devil (as always) is in the details. Let’s explore what makes them effective, the risks to avoid, and how to streamline the process effortlessly.

Release of Claims Agreement: Explained

A release of claims agreement is a legal contract where one party agrees not to pursue any further legal proceedings against another party, often in exchange for compensation or other considerations. It serves to resolve disputes and prevent future litigation.

Common scenarios where release of claims agreements are used

You’ll typically see release of claims agreements in situations:

• Employment disputes: Often part of severance packages, these agreements prevent future claims like wrongful termination. In 2024, DocuSign Inc. announced the departure of Steve Shute, President of Worldwide Field Operations. As part of his severance package, Shute received benefits including a cash severance, bonus payment, COBRA coverage, and accelerated equity vesting. In return, he signed a release of claims, agreeing not to pursue any legal action against the company related to his employment or termination.
• Personal injury cases: In 2020, Heidi Jordan slipped and fell at a Publix supermarket sustaining neck and back herniations requiring cervical fusion surgery. Her personal injury claim was shut after a confidential settlement. As part of which Jordan signed a release of claims agreeing not to pursue any further legal action in relation to that incident. This protects the defendant from future prosecution w.r.t the same incident.
• Contract disagreements: Two companies entering into a partnership will negotiate a release of claims agreement. This will help avoid costs and uncertainties of court proceedings in case of a dispute in the future. If one company later finds an error in the other’s conduct, they would not generally be able to pursue legal action due to the release of claims agreement previously signed.

Why is a release of claims agreement important?

Release of claims agreements help resolve disputes efficiently, avoiding lengthy, stressful, and expensive litigation. Without one, disagreements can escalate into costly litigation that damages relationships and drags on for months–or even years.

For example: 

• In a workplace severance dispute, a signed release ensures the employer is shielded from future lawsuits, while the employee promptly receives agreed-upon compensation.
• In personal injury cases, it allows the injured party to secure a settlement quickly, sidestepping the uncertainty and delays of a trial. 

By offering clarity and closure, these agreements protect both parties and streamline conflict resolution.

Types of Release of Claims Agreements

Depending on the situation, the release of claims agreement has to be updated. Let’s break down the most common types of agreements.

General vs. specific release agreements

This is on the basis of the kind of claims covered by the agreement:

1. General release of claims: This includes all potential claims a party could  have: known or unknown at the time of signing. Known claims are specific disputes or issues that you are aware of when you sign the agreement. For example, wages approved for overtime. Unknown claims are disputes that might arise sometime in the future. A contractor resolves a payment dispute with a client and signs a release. Later, they discover the client misused their designs but can't sue due to the release covering "unknown claims."

2. Specific release of claims: Unlike a general release, it does not cover unrelated claims or future issues that might arise. A limited release of claims focuses only on issues or claims explicitly listed in the agreement which would include: 

• Disputes over unpaid wages or severance pay
• Claims related to a particular incident, such as a workplace injury
• Allegations of breach of contract for a specific project

Unilateral vs. mutual release agreements

This is dependent on who is letting go of the claims:

1. Unilateral release: Here, only one party waives their right to claims. When an employee decides to leave a company, an employer will give you severance in exchange for a unilateral release. With this, the employee waives their right to pursue future legal claims against the employer. However, the employer can pursue litigation against the employee if they discover IP infringement later. 

2. Mutual release: Both parties, here, agree to release any claims they might have against each other. For example, in a business dispute, a supplier might claim a company failed to pay invoices on time, while the company alleges the supplier delivered defective goods. Instead of going to court, both parties might agree to a mutual release. The company might pay a reduced amount to settle the invoices, and the supplier agrees not to pursue claims for the balance or damages.

Choosing the right type of agreement

Deciding between general vs. specific and unilateral vs. mutual depends on context:

• Use a general release when you want broad protection and are confident no additional claims will arise.
  For instance, if an employer provides a severance package to an employee leaving after several years, a general release ensures the employee cannot later pursue claims for unpaid wages, discrimination, or wrongful termination—whether known or unknown at the time
  
  
• Opt for a specific release if you’re dealing with a particular issue and want clarity.
  For example, a contractor disputing payment for one project might sign a specific release resolving only that payment claim, while keeping the ability to address unrelated future issues open
  
  
• Go with a unilateral release when only one party has significant exposure to legal claim.
  For instance, an employer offering a severance package requires the departing employee to sign a unilateral release to waive all claims, such as workplace harassment or unfair dismissal. The employer, however, does not waive its own rights in this scenario
  
  
• Choose a mutual release when both parties need to walk away without the risk of future disputes.
  For example, in a contract dispute where both parties believe the other breached the terms, they may agree to a mutual release. The supplier waives claims for unpaid invoices, while the client releases claims related to defective goods

Essential Components of a Release of Claims Agreement

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Key components of a release of claims agreement

• Parties involved
• Scope and nature of claims
• Conditions
• Compensation
• Timelines

The effectiveness of a release of claims agreement depends on the details it includes. Each section of the agreement serves a specific purpose, ensuring that it is legally enforceable and meets the needs of the parties involved. 

Identifying the parties involved

The first step in drafting any release of claims agreement is clarity about who is involved. The agreement should clearly name:

• The party giving up their claims (the “releasor”)
• The party being released from liability (the “releasee”)

It’s important to include full legal names and any relevant identifiers, like business names or titles, to avoid ambiguity. For example, in employment disputes, you’d list the employee and the employer, including the legal name of the company.

Defining the claims being released

This is where you specify what’s being waived. A well-drafted release of claims agreement outlines:

• The scope of the claims: Are all potential claims being released (general release), or just specific ones tied to a particular dispute (specific release)?
• The nature of the claims: Employment-related, contractual disputes, personal injury, or another category.

📌Wording Example for each claims nature:

Employment-related claims clause example:

“The Employee releases the Employer from all claims related to unpaid wages, bonuses, overtime, wrongful termination, discrimination, or workplace injuries, arising from the Employee’s employment or separation.”

Contractual claims clause example:

“The Supplier releases the Buyer from all claims arising out of the agreement dated March 15, 2023, including but not limited to late payments, non-performance, or breach of contract.”

Personal injury claims clause example:

“The Releasor releases the Releasee from all claims, liabilities, and demands arising from the automobile accident that occurred on May 10, 2023, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.”

Outlining conditions, compensation, and timelines

Most release agreements involve some form of consideration—that is, what one party gives in exchange for the release. This section should include:

• Conditions: Any prerequisites the parties must fulfill before the release takes effect. For instance,  a mutual release in a business dispute might require both parties to cease using each other’s proprietary materials before the settlement payment is processed
• Compensation: The payment or benefits provided as part of the agreement. This could be a lump sum payment, ongoing benefits, or another form of value
• Timelines: The effective date of the agreement and any deadlines tied to actions, such as when compensation will be paid or when claims must be relinquished.some text
  • Immediate relinquishment: If claims are relinquished upon signing, the agreement should state this explicitly.
    Clause example:
    “The Releasor agrees to waive all claims against the Releasee effective immediately upon execution of this agreement.”
  • Conditional relinquishment: In cases where claims are tied to specific conditions, the timeline should reflect this.
    ‍Clause example:
    “The claims waived herein shall be relinquished upon receipt of the settlement payment as outlined in Section 2, provided this occurs no later than January 10, 2024.”
  • Revocation period (if applicable): Include a clause if the law mandates a period during which a party can revoke the agreement, such as under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA).
    Clause example:
    “The Releasor has seven (7) days following the signing of this agreement to revoke this release. If no revocation is received within this period, the claims shall be relinquished on the eighth day.”

Key Clauses Included In a Release of Claims Agreement

These clauses ensure the release of claims agreement is clear, enforceable, and protective of both parties’ interests.

• Identification of the parties: Clearly names the releasor and releasee, including full legal names and identifiers
  
  Example:
  “This Release of Claims Agreement (‘Agreement’) is made between [John Doe] (‘Releasor’) and [XYZ Corporation] (‘Releasee’), located at [address].”

• Scope of the release: Specifies whether the release covers all claims (general) or specific claims only
  
  Example for a general release:
  “The Releasor hereby releases and forever discharges the Releasee from all claims, demands, and liabilities of any nature, known or unknown, arising from or related to Releasor’s employment with Releasee.”
  
  Example for a specific release:
  “The Releasor waives all claims solely related to the unpaid invoice dated January 15, 2023, under Contract #12345.”
  
  

• Consideration: Outlines what the releasor receives in exchange for waiving claims, such as money or benefits
  
  Example:
  “In consideration for this release, the Releasee agrees to pay the Releasor the sum of $10,000, to be paid by wire transfer within 10 business days of the execution of this Agreement.”
  
  
• Effective date and execution: States when the agreement takes effect and how it’s finalized
  
  Example:
  “This Agreement shall become effective upon the signing by both parties. The final execution date shall be the later of the two signatures.

• Governing law: Identifies which jurisdiction’s laws apply to the agreement
  ‍
  Example:
  “This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.”

• Non-admission of liability: Confirms that the release does not admit fault or wrongdoing by signing
  ‍
  ‍Example:
  “The parties agree that this Agreement is not an admission of liability or fault by the Releasee, and such liability or fault is expressly denied.”

How to Create a Release of Claims Agreement

Drafting a release of claims agreement requires precision and attention to detail. The process must ensure clarity, enforceability, and fairness. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Steps for drafting an enforceable agreement

1. Define the purpose

Clearly identify the reason for the agreement—settlement of a dispute, severance, or another resolution.

Ambiguity about the purpose can lead to misunderstandings or disputes over the agreement's intent.

Use specific language, such as:
“This agreement is intended to resolve all claims arising from the termination of employment dated [date]” or “This release settles the dispute regarding Invoice #12345.”

2. Name the parties

Include the full legal names of the releasor (party waiving claims) and releasee (party being released).

Incorrect identification can invalidate the agreement or lead to enforcement issues.

Double-check names and include additional identifiers like addresses or business registration numbers:
“This agreement is made between [John Doe], residing at [address], and [XYZ Corporation], located at [address].”

3. Specify the claims being released

Define whether the release is general (all claims) or specific (certain claims only) and detail the scope.

A poorly defined scope can lead to disputes or unintended waivers of future claims.

For general releases, clarify that it includes “all known and unknown claims arising up to the date of signing.”

For specific releases, list the claims explicitly:
“The Releasor waives all claims solely related to the unpaid overtime for the period of [dates].”

4. State the consideration

Outline what the releasor receives in exchange for waiving claims, whether money, benefits, or another agreed value.

Failing to specify the exact compensation or tie it to clear conditions can lead to disputes.

Include specifics and payment timelines, such as:
“In exchange for this release, the Releasee agrees to pay the Releasor $15,000 via wire transfer no later than 10 business days after execution.”

5. Include key clauses

Add clauses for the effective date, governing law, non-admission of liability, and any other terms relevant to the context.

Missing clauses, such as the governing law, can create enforcement challenges in cross-jurisdictional agreements.

Address key elements explicitly, e.g.:

• Effective date: “This agreement takes effect on the date it is signed by both parties.”
• Governing law: “This agreement is governed by the laws of [State].”

6. Use clear, unambiguous language

Avoid vague terms and legal jargon that could lead to disputes about the agreement’s meaning.

Legalese or unclear wording might result in conflicting interpretations.

Use plain language and avoid ambiguous phrases. Instead of saying “fair settlement,” specify: “a one-time payment of $5,000.”

7. Consult legal counsel

Ensure the agreement complies with local laws and regulations, particularly regarding waivable and non-waivable claims.

Including terms that violate local laws, such as waivers of unpaid wages, can render the agreement unenforceable.

For example, under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) in the U.S., employees over 40 must be given a 21-day review period for the release to be valid.

Automating Release of Claims Agreements with Docupilot

A release of claims agreement is like the “Let’s never speak of this again” text message of the legal world—except legally binding, enforceable, and a lot more polished. It resolves disputes, protects against future headaches, and lets everyone move forward without any lingering drama.

However, creating these agreements manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors if not tailored correctly.

Docupilot steps in to make it seamless. 

• With customizable templates, you’re never starting from scratch
• Accurate data integration ensures your agreements are error-free
• Collaborative tools mean you can draft and finalize them faster than you can say “dispute resolution”

Stop spending time on routine legal paperwork. Let Docupilot handle the details so you can focus on resolving issues, not drafting documents.

Try Docupilot today.