Not legal advice. These are general templates; laws and enforceability vary by state. Consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Release of liability form
A release of liability form is a signed document in which a person agrees not to hold you responsible for ordinary-negligence claims arising from an activity, to the extent the law allows. Build one below with a general or industry-specific wording, read it in full, and edit any clause before you decide to download.
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What a release of liability form does
A release is the part of a waiver that does the legal heavy lifting: the person signing gives up certain claims against you, and promises not to sue over them. A well-drafted release is written in clear, conspicuous language, describes the activity and the risks, and is signed voluntarily.
This form also carries the parts that make a release more useful in practice: an acknowledgment of risks, a health statement, indemnification, severability and governing law.
Release versus waiver versus indemnity
People use these words loosely, but they describe different pieces of the same document.
- A release frees someone from claims the signer already has or may later have for the activity.
- A waiver gives up a right, such as the right to sue for ordinary negligence.
- An indemnification clause is a promise to cover certain losses if a claim is made against the other party.
What a release cannot do
A release generally does not protect against gross negligence or intentional or reckless misconduct, and this template says so. It may not bind people who did not sign, and its treatment varies by state, especially for minors. See what a liability waiver is and how enforceability varies by state.
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Questions and answers
What is a release of liability form?
A release of liability form is a signed document in which a person gives up the right to bring certain legal claims against a business or individual, usually for injuries or losses that come from an activity. Its effect depends on the wording and on the law of your state.
What is the difference between a release of liability and a liability waiver?
The terms are often used for the same document. In everyday use, a waiver emphasizes giving up a right and a release emphasizes freeing someone from claims. Courts look at the substance of the document and not the title.
Does a release of liability cover negligence?
A release can sometimes cover ordinary negligence if the language is clear, but it generally cannot cover gross negligence or intentional misconduct, and some states limit releases in other ways. Ask a licensed attorney in your state.
Can I use a release of liability for a one-time event?
Yes. Choose the event or general option, describe the activity and list the date and location. The template includes lines for the date and location.
Is the form free?
Reading and editing the whole form is free. PDF and Word downloads cost $12 for a single document, one time, and payments are opening soon.