We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Legal Release?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,949
Share

A legal release is an agreement in which a party releases liability, interest, or obligations, depending on the nature of the situation for which the release is being drafted. Legal releases are commonly written agreements, for the purpose of having a permanent record which includes a signature, but they may be oral agreements in some cases. When creating a legal release, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to make sure that the release is appropriate to the setting and that there are no loopholes.

A classic example of a legal release is a form used by a photographer or journalist. The form is signed by anyone who is photographed or interviewed, giving the releasee the right to use the releasor's image and words in a project. Without a release form, there could potentially be legal challenges in the future.

A simple release might state, for example, that someone gives permission for a photograph to used in promotional materials. A more complex release might also release rights over reprints and different publications. For example, if a university receives permission to use a student's picture on its website, the form would also include a release for brochures and a note that the photograph could potentially be reprinted, as for example if a newspaper doing a story on the university asked for campus photographs.

Legal releases are also used to collect information which can be used to verify age and other data. This is especially important when the material under discussion is adult in nature and the releasee wants to confirm that the releasor was of legal age at the time a photograph or video was taken.

Liability releases are common in any situation where people contract for services which might potentially come with risks. For example, when someone gets a tattoo, the artist usually has a release form which the perform signs to indicate that he or she will not hold the artist or shop liable. Likewise, a legal release may be used when someone is about to engage in something which might be physically dangerous, such as skydiving or rafting. A legal release may also need to be signed before receiving certain medical treatments so that doctors have a record that the patient understood the risks and consented freely.

At the close of litigation over a contentious issue, or in a private agreement to settle a matter, a release form is often used to ensure that the releasor does not come back in the future with additional claims. For example, an insurance company might offer someone a single lump sum payout to replace a totaled vehicle if the person agrees to sign a legal release indicating that she or he will not hold the insurance company liable for other expenses, such as future medical expenses related to the crash which totaled the car.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-legal-release.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.