Release
The document that ends the claim. Signing it is the point of no return.
Everything before it is reversible. This is not, and the wording decides exactly what you gave up. This is general information, not legal advice.
What it means
A release exchanges payment for the end of the claim. Its scope is a matter of drafting: which parties are released, which claims, and whether unknown claims are included.
That last point has a specific California mechanism. A general release does not extend to claims the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in their favour at the time — unless that protection is expressly waived, which is why you will see the statutory language quoted in the document and initialled.
If the release quotes that section, read the sentence around it. You are being asked to give up claims nobody has identified yet.
Where this is dealt with properly
This entry is the short answer. These pages own the subject.
Common questions
- Why does the release quote a Civil Code section back at me?
- Because unknown claims survive a general release unless the protection is expressly waived. Quoting and initialling the section is how that waiver is made to stick.
Start a case review call
On a case review call, I go through the facts with you: what happened, when, whether you were hurt, whether anyone represents you, and how to reach you. It is not legal advice, and I will not put a value on your claim.
Sources: Civ. Code, § 1542 (a general release does not extend to unknown claims unless expressly waived).