A release is a type of contract in which you agree that you have no claims of any type against the party named in the release.
Releases are often used in connection with a settlement of legal claims. For example, if you were involved in a car accident and the other driver's insurance company offers to fix your car, the insurance company will probably demand that you sign a release, agreeing that in exchange for the cost of your repairs, you will not sue the other driver under any circumstances. Be very cautious about signing any release. If you sign a "General Release", you would be giving up your rights to sue should you have any physical injuries that you are unaware of or if a passenger in your car later sues you for her injuries in the accident. Signing any form of release without advice from a lawyer is like signing a blank check and giving it to a stranger. Our advice is to never do it.