Legal request template

Deed of release signing request template

A deed of release records that one or more parties give up a legal claim or right, often in exchange for agreed terms, to settle a matter cleanly.

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What is a deed of release?

A deed of release is a formal document in which a party releases another from a claim, obligation or potential legal action, usually as part of resolving a dispute or ending a relationship. It is common in employment exits, contract terminations and settlements, where both sides want certainty that the matter is closed. Because it is a deed rather than an ordinary contract, it can have specific formal requirements, which is why the wording and signing process matter.

Getting a deed of release signed gives the parties documented finality: the releasing party agrees not to pursue the claims covered, often in return for a payment or other consideration. This protects organisations from later claims and gives individuals clarity on what they receive. Deeds can carry particular execution formalities in Australia, so a signing tool helps you send and track it, but you should confirm the correct form of execution and obtain professional advice where needed.

When to use a deed of release

Concluding an employment exit with an agreed separation payment
Releasing claims when a contract or partnership ends
Recording finality after a negotiated dispute resolution
Closing out a matter where parties want no further claims raised

What to include in a deed of release

Parties and recitals: who is involved and the background to the release.
Released claims: the specific claims or rights being given up, clearly defined.
Consideration: any payment or benefit provided in exchange for the release.
Bar to proceedings: a promise not to bring future claims on the released matters.
Execution as a deed: signing provisions and any witnessing required for a valid deed.

Pros and cons of sending a deed of release as a signing request

Pros

Each releasing party gets a private link to review the deed before signing
Tracking shows opens, previews, signatures and any declines
Expiry keeps an unsigned deed from staying open during negotiations
A completion receipt records who executed the deed and when

Cons and things to watch

Deeds may have execution or witnessing formalities a signing tool cannot guarantee
An overly narrow release may leave some claims uncovered
Once signed, releasing a claim is generally final and hard to undo
Cosign sends and tracks the deed but does not draft it or give legal advice

How to send a deed of release with Cosign

Upload the deed of release and preview it to confirm the parties, released claims and consideration are correct.
Add the releasing parties as signers so each receives their own private link.
Set a 14-day expiry and apply password protection given the sensitive nature of the matter.
Send, track each party's progress and declines, and keep the completion receipt as a record.

Deed of release request details

Email subject

Deed of release signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this deed of release if the terms are agreed.

Signer setup

Releasing parties

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign deed

Best fit

Legal teams

Deed of release FAQs

Can a deed of release be signed electronically in Australia?

In many cases deeds can be signed electronically in Australia, though formalities can vary by jurisdiction and document type. This is general information, not legal advice, so confirm the correct execution method for your deed.

How is a deed different from an ordinary agreement?

A deed is a particular type of legal instrument that can bind a party without the consideration an ordinary contract needs, and it may have specific signing or witnessing formalities. Seek professional advice on execution.

Is the deed kept private when I send it through Cosign?

Yes. Each releasing party receives a private link and the document is kept private. Cosign does not allow it to be indexed by search engines.

What if a party declines to sign the deed?

Cosign records a decline against that signer so you can see the request was not accepted. The matter remains unresolved until the deed is signed, and you can follow up or revise terms.

Can I require a password to open a sensitive deed of release?

Yes. Cosign lets you add password protection to the request so only the intended signer with the password can open and review the deed.