Deed of Release (Termination)

A Deed of Release (Termination) can be used when you have terminated an employee.

calendar_month

Last updated October 23, 2025

flag

Suitable for Australia

Deed of Release  (Termination)

Create & Customise Legal Templates Online

legal documents graphic

What is a deed of release (termination)?

A deed of release (termination) is a legal document signed when an employee leaves, finalising all outstanding issues and preventing future claims between the employer and employee.
legal documents graphic

When should you use a deed of release (termination)?

Use a deed of release (termination) when ending an employee’s employment to resolve all outstanding matters, confirm final payments, and prevent future legal claims related to the employment or its termination.
legal documents graphic

What should be in a deed of release (termination)?

It should include final payments, release of claims, confidentiality obligations, warranties by the employee, and terms addressing future disputes or claims arising from the employment or its termination.
docs

Create unlimited legal documents and eSignatures for only $39/month.

Upgrade to a Lawpath legal plan to boost your new business.

View plans & pricing

How to create a legal document

  • check_circle

    Access the Document Library

  • check_circle

    Select the template that matches your needs

  • check_circle

    Customise by adding or removing clauses with assistance from Lawpath AI

  • check_circle

    Personalise with your headers, footers, logos, or additional text

  • check_circle

    Store all documents securely in your account for easy access

Start creating your first document

Frequently asked questions

How does this document protect employers?

keyboard_arrow_up

Does signing this deed prevent all future claims by the employee?

keyboard_arrow_up

Can an employer require an employee to sign this document?

keyboard_arrow_up

What are the risks for employees in signing?

keyboard_arrow_up

How is this different from a termination letter?

keyboard_arrow_up

What steps are required for the deed to be valid?

keyboard_arrow_up

Should this document be reviewed before signing?

keyboard_arrow_up

View Sample Deed of Release (Termination)

Deed of Release  (Termination)
risk level indicator at Medium level

The Legal Risk Score of a Deed of Release (Termination) Template is Medium

Our legal team have marked this document as medium risk considering:

  • The document includes a comprehensive release clause that could prevent an employee from pursuing any further claims related to their employment or its termination, potentially limiting legal recourse in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Confidential information is heavily protected, requiring the employee to refrain from disclosing or using any such information post-termination, which could restrict future employment opportunities or personal projects that might relate to the knowledge gained.
  • The document must be signed as a deed in order to be effective.

Users familiar with legal documents might find this deed relatively standard in its protections for the employer, but should be cautious of the extensive commitments and releases required from the employee.

Meet Our Users

Articles about Deed of Release (Termination)

What Is A Release Deed?
By Raja Abbas|Dec 3, 2024

What Is A Release Deed?

A deed of release is important as it ensures both parties are fully aware of the agreements and terms of a settlement. This article will cover everything you need to know about release deeds.

Should Employees Sign a Deed of Release?
By Paul Taylor|Nov 26, 2025

Should Employees Sign a Deed of Release?

Being an employer can be challenging. As employees come and go, it's good to know when a deed of release is useful. Read more about when to use one here.

What is a Deed of Settlement? (2025 Update)
By Ilyas Omari|May 14, 2025

What is a Deed of Settlement? (2025 Update)

Looking for an alternative to litigation? Find out how a deed of settlement can provide a negotiated resolution to your legal dispute here.

terminate-discretionary-trust
By Lawpath|

terminate-discretionary-trust

Article about terminate-discretionary-trust

What Is A Deed Of Priority?
By Paul Taylor|Jun 2, 2025

What Is A Deed Of Priority?

It's likely you'll come across an important legal document known as a Deed of Priority at some point. Read more about what they are and how they work here.

What Is a Golden Handshake?
By Paul Taylor|May 24, 2024

What Is a Golden Handshake?

Some employment contracts contain a 'golden handshake' clause. Read this guide for a brief rundown of what you need to know about them.

What is the Difference Between Deeds and Agreements?
By Angela Omari|Mar 15, 2022

What is the Difference Between Deeds and Agreements?

Interested in learning more about the differences between deeds and agreements? This blog will explain everything you need to know.

What Employees Must Do After Employment Ends
By Shantelle Dang|Nov 26, 2025

What Employees Must Do After Employment Ends

The end of an employer-employee relationship does not mean the end of employee obligations. Find out what employee obligations exist post-employment here.

What Is an Anticipatory Breach?
By Daniel Alkurdi|May 24, 2024

What Is an Anticipatory Breach?

An anticipatory breach is a breach of contract that is yet to occur. Find out what options each party has in this article.

Looking for more documents?

Employment Agreement (Casual)

This Employment Agreement (Casual) is suitable for casual employees in any industry. This agreement is essential when hiring new casual employees for your business.

Get document

Contractor Agreement (Individual)

The Contractor Agreement (Individual) allows you to hire a contractor that is an individual (ie. not a company).

Get document

Shareholders Agreement

A Shareholders Agreement allows you to clarify the relationship between shareholders of your company.

Get document

Full Time Employment Agreement

This Full Time Employment Agreement covers everything you need when hiring a new full time employee. It is applicable to any industry in Australia.

Get document

Consultancy Agreement (Pro-Supplier)

A Consultancy Agreement (Pro-Supplier) can be used if you provide consultancy services or engage consultancy services from another entity. This version of the Consultancy Agreement is drafted in favour of the supplier, from a commercial and legal perspective.

Get document

Website Terms and Conditions of Use (Goods)

This Website Terms And Conditions of Use (Goods) outlines the rules people must follow when using your website. It includes protection for your IP, disclaimers to limit your liability and makes you compliant with Australian law.

Get document

Contractor Agreement (Company)

A Contractor Agreement (Company) allows you to engage a contractor that is a company.

Get document

Internship Agreement

An Internship Agreement is used when hiring an unpaid intern for your business.

Get document
Browse all legal documents