A limited release identifies the specific claims, parties, time period, or subject matter being discharged. Claims outside its scope survive.

It is used where the parties resolve part of a dispute.

Alternative Names:

Partial Release, Specific Release

Why it Matters?

Scope precision determines whether the release accomplishes anything, since ambiguity is construed against the drafter and a release intended to cover one incident may be read to reach related claims or may fail to reach claims the defendant assumed were included. Where a defendant is settling with one of several plaintiffs, or resolving one claim among several, defining the boundary explicitly is what prevents the dispute.

Frequently asked questions

When is a limited release used?

What drafting risk applies?