California · Standard edition

California Settlement Agreement Template

Create a California settlement agreement and release online to resolve a dispute without going to court. The Standard agreement covers the settlement payment and terms, a mutual release including unknown claims, dismissal of pending cases, no admission of liability, confidentiality with legal carve-outs, default and enforcement, taxes, and California settlement rules.

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California rules built into this template

  • California law: In California, a release covers unknown claims only if it expressly waives Cal. Civ. Code § 1542. If the dispute involves a filed claim of workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or sexual assault, a term preventing disclosure of the underlying facts is void, although the claimant may ask that the claimant's identity be kept confidential (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1001).
  • Release timing: under the Standard agreement, the release takes effect only when the settlement payment and other promised terms have been fully performed.

What the Settlement Agreement includes

  1. Background
  2. Settlement Payment
  3. Settlement Terms
  4. Mutual Release
  5. Unknown Claims
  6. Dismissal of Proceedings
  7. No Admission of Liability
  8. Confidentiality
  9. Default and Enforcement
  10. Taxes
  11. Voluntary Agreement
  12. State Law
  13. General Provisions
  14. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

Does a settlement agreement have to be in writing in California?
In California, a release covers unknown claims only if it expressly waives Cal. Civ. Code § 1542. If the dispute involves a filed claim of workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or sexual assault, a term preventing disclosure of the underlying facts is void, although the claimant may ask that the claimant's identity be kept confidential (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1001).
Can a settlement agreement be kept confidential?
Usually yes, but confidentiality cannot stop a party from reporting a possible violation of law to a government agency or testifying when legally required, and some states limit confidentiality in harassment, discrimination, or public hazard cases.
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Settlement Agreement?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Settlement Agreement for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

Settlement Agreement templates for other states

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