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A Release of Claims is a legal agreement where someone gives up their right to sue or seek compensation for specific incidents or disputes. In New Zealand, these documents commonly appear in employment settlements, insurance payouts, and accident compensation cases under the ACC framework.

When you sign a Release of Claims, you're accepting payment or other benefits in exchange for dropping all current and future legal claims related to the specified matter. It acts as a formal end point, protecting the paying party from additional liability while giving the recipient certainty about their compensation. Kiwi businesses often use these agreements alongside settlement payments to achieve full and final resolution of disputes.

Use a Release of Claims when wrapping up any situation that could lead to future legal disputes. Common triggers include settling employment grievances, resolving ACC claims, ending business partnerships, or closing insurance matters. It's particularly valuable when making settlement payments or reaching agreements involving significant financial or operational risks.

This document becomes essential during mediation, when negotiating severance packages, or after workplace incidents. Many Kiwi businesses include it alongside settlement agreements to prevent reopened claims. The timing matters - getting a signed Release of Claims before making payments helps ensure clear boundaries and protects both parties from lingering uncertainties.

• General Release: Covers all possible claims, known and unknown, offering the broadest protection. Common in full and final settlements.
• Limited Release: Restricts the waiver to specific incidents or time periods. Often used in employment disputes or ACC claims.
• Mutual Release: Both parties agree not to pursue claims against each other. Typical in business partnership dissolutions.
• Conditional Release: Takes effect only after specific requirements are met, like payment installments or actions completed.
• Project-Specific Release: Tailored to construction or development projects, covering specific work phases or contractor relationships.

• Legal Counsel: Draft and review Release of Claims documents to ensure they're legally sound and protect their client's interests
• HR Managers: Handle employment-related releases during severance or dispute settlements
• Insurance Companies: Use releases when settling claims with policyholders
• Business Owners: Sign releases when resolving commercial disputes or ending business relationships
• Employees: Often sign releases when accepting settlement payments or redundancy packages
• ACC Representatives: Manage releases for accident compensation claims and settlements

• Identify Parties: Gather full legal names and contact details of all involved parties, including any related entities
• Define Scope: List specific incidents, time periods, or claims being released
• Document Value: Record any settlement amounts, payment terms, or other consideration being exchanged
• Collect Evidence: Gather relevant documents, correspondence, and incident reports that support the release
• Check Authority: Confirm signing authority for each party, especially for company representatives
• Review Terms: Use our platform to generate a legally sound document that includes all mandatory elements
• Set Timeline: Establish clear deadlines for signing and payment completion

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and roles of all parties involved in the release
• Consideration Statement: Clear description of payment or value exchanged for the release
• Release Scope: Specific claims, time periods, and matters being released from future action
• Known/Unknown Claims: Language covering both identified and potential future claims
• Governing Law: Explicit reference to New Zealand law and jurisdiction
• Execution Block: Signature spaces, dates, and witness requirements
• Severability Clause: Protection if any section is found invalid
• Entire Agreement: Statement that this document represents the complete understanding

A Release of Claims differs significantly from a Release of Liability in several key aspects. While both documents involve waiving legal rights, they serve distinct purposes in New Zealand's legal framework.

• Scope of Coverage: A Release of Claims addresses specific past incidents or disputes, often involving monetary settlements. A Release of Liability focuses on future potential incidents and ongoing activities.
• Timing of Effect: Claims releases typically activate upon settlement payment, while liability releases take effect before an activity or engagement begins.
• Common Usage: Claims releases appear in employment settlements and ACC cases. Liability releases are common in recreational activities, events, and service provisions.
• Legal Implications: Claims releases permanently close specific matters. Liability releases create ongoing protection against future incidents within defined parameters.