Release Scope
Define claims released (known/unknown claims), time period covered, and any carve‑outs such as workers' compensation or vested benefits.
This agreement clarifies legal rights, avoids future litigation, and documents consideration for both a waiver of claims and agreed non‑competition restraints. Proper drafting balances enforceability with legitimate business protection under state law and federal e‑signature frameworks such as ESIGN and applicable state UETA/ESRA rules.
Employers, human resources teams, departing employees, independent contractors, and counsel commonly use this agreement to document settlements and restrictive covenants.
Define claims released (known/unknown claims), time period covered, and any carve‑outs such as workers' compensation or vested benefits.
State the specific payment, benefit, or other consideration supporting the release and non‑compete to evidence mutuality and enforceability.
Specify prohibited activities, geographic limits, duration, and whether solicitation of customers or employees is restricted.
Address treatment of trade secrets and confidential information and require return of company property as part of the separation process.
Identify the state law governing interpretation and venue, noting that enforceability of restraints varies by jurisdiction.
Include signature blocks, date lines, witness/notary fields where required, and any electronic signing consent language.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Require named signer; set required = true |
| Date Field | Auto‑populate or require signer to enter MM/DD/YYYY |
| Witness / Notary | Add conditional fields for witness or notary when jurisdiction needs them |
| Routing Order | Set sequential routing for employer, employee, and counsel approvals |
Choose a signing platform that supports required authentication, audit trails, and any regulatory compliance needs such as HIPAA or 21 CFR Part 11.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7‑day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | No cap stated | No cap stated | No cap stated |
Date by which parties must sign to receive consideration or settlement
Payment date, often within 30 days of execution unless specified
State the duration clearly, e.g., twelve months from effective date
File executed copies in corporate records immediately upon signing
Report any taxable settlement payments per IRS reporting rules