50+ Sample Waiver Forms

Waiver Forms: What Are They?

A waiver form is also called a release form. It is a legally binding document that contains a binding agreement between two parties. Moreover, a waiver form essentially contains information about the risks involved in certain activities. Thus, it protects the organizers from being liable for any accidents that occurred during the activity.

Meanwhile, there were 1,214 people have reportedly killed in school transportation-related accidents between 2004 and 2013 according to NHTSA.

Different Elements of a Waiver Form

Now that you know what a waiver form is, the next thing you should learn is its major elements. Knowing these elements is helpful in creating one because when you are familiar with them, you also know what to include in your waiver form. Make sure you know what the waiver is for or what it intends to do before making one. This is a very crucial step in aligning the form with your needs and expectations and achieving the desired results.  In other words, the right set of elements will make the form as effective as it could be. We made a priority list below to describe various components of a waiver form. Let us take a look. Shall we?

Participant’s Details: The waiver form should provide the participant’s information such as complete name, address, and contact details. The parent’s or guardian’s name is also indicated if the participant is a minor. Putting these names will help identify the people who are participating in the activity. It is also one means to know who to reach out to when things do not go as expected.Description of Activities: After the participant’s details are mentioned, a description of activities must be indicated in the waiver form. It is usually defined by the organizers to let the participants and their guardians know what they are getting into. This is not necessarily lengthy as long as it clearly sets out what the activity is about. This part also talks about the purpose of the activity and why it is being held.Organizer’s Details: Aside from the participant’s information, the organizer’s details are also essential when it comes to making a waiver. The following details must be present in the waiver: name of the organizers, person-in-charge, and contact information. The reason why this information is needed is to identify the people behind the activity. Although they will not be held responsible when things go wrong during the activity, it is important to know who the participants can communicate with before and after the activity. Body of the Waiver: In this part, the release of liability statements, trust agreement not to litigate, acknowledgment of reading and understanding, and statement state laws are placed. This is your waiver’s most important element. So, make sure to take time composing your waiver if you want it to be compelling. Doing this part can get a little intimidating because you would want to get it right. If you are convinced you do not have the expertise to make a waiver, you can look for references and do your research. The internet has a lot of materials for technical documents. Find a reliable source and takedown pointers. This is very helpful when you are having a hard time starting to write a release of liability document.Duration of Validity: Lastly, provide the duration of the activity and the validity of the waiver form. This sets out the time when the form starts and ends its effectivity. Be crucial with this one to avoid misleading the parties with their obligations and right. Upon setting the dates, ensure it is reasonable. Do not set the date too early or extend it after the activity has ended. The organizers should also be responsible for managing the activity even if they are not held accountable when bad things happen to the participant during the event. As much as possible, they must put everyone’s safety first before anything else.

How Do You Make a Waiver Form?

As one of the important business documents, making a waiver seems a lot more challenging. But it is not as difficult as you think. One of the best ways in terms of creating a formal document is by using an editable template. That sounds like cheating, but not really. Using a template only helps you with the format. As it comes in with suggested content, means you can modify what it contains based on your needs. Moreover, you can leave the content as it is if it satisfies your intentions. Templates come in many forms. That is why we recommend taking time to get familiar with the document you are to create. This way, you can pay attention to the details and think about what are the things that you need when selecting the right template for your waiver. Are you looking for a template? You can get one by browsing through our website and discover a collection of ready-made stencils suitable for different business needs. Download a copy now and get started with the waiver form-making task.

Step 1: Ask Around

When writing a waiver, you should consult a lawyer to make it easier. Talking with a lawyer will answer all your questions at the end of the day. You can call your state legal person if you are not about to reach an attorney. Also, you can seek advice from a legal agent after drafting the waiver. As you go along writing the release form, make sure to follow the correct structure. We highly suggest using a sample waiver in your industry to act as a reference. A waiver’s structure may differ based on what purpose it serves in different scenarios. Hence, use the correct format in writing your waiver.

Step 2: Do Not Forget the Assumption of Risk

It cannot be avoided that some of the participants will assume the risks mentioned in a waiver. To make sure that they do not blame anyone, especially you, for their assumption, include a statement that reminds them of their risk assumption. Before they sign the document, they will have time to think of what they are going into. After that, state the words “hold harmless.” This means the participants agree not to sue you in case of damages. Additionally, include a choice of law to the waiver. The judge decides whether the waiver prevents you from being sued in case a participant takes the matter to court. Thus, you need to be specific on the state the waiver laws apply to for easier interpretation of the waiver agreement.

Step 3: Confirm the Interpretation of Your Waiver

When everything is covered, you need to confirm that the participant has read and understood the agreement. Do this by writing a few lines just next to the participant’s signature. This is the best simple way to prevent the participant from claiming not to have understood the form’s content. For a participant to be able to sign, you must add a signature block below your ending remarks. This may include a witness signature if applicable and necessary. A witness attests that the participants were not forced to enter into any activity they did so willingly.

Step 4: Access Editing Tool to Modify Your Template

One of the best things about using a template is that you can modify the suggested content with an editing tool. After selecting your template open an editing tool that is compatible with the file format. You will know when you can work with an editing tool if it is featured on the template source’s website.

Every template comes with a suggested content that you can edit using an editing tool. You can leave the content as is or reformat it if you want to make some necessary changes. You can even add designs to make the form visually appealing. But do not go overboard so that your form’s purpose is not compromised.

Step 5: Go Digital and Finalize Your Waiver

Some organizations opt to send out digitally-made waiver forms. You can also do this as it is more convenient than printing the forms. Electronic forms are more sustainable because it does not leave any trace. This is the best opportunity to introduce eco-friendly transactions in your organization. Additionally, before using the form, do not forget to edit it first. You might not know it, but the form could have some errors. Reviewing it helps avoid incorrect information, misspelled words, and so much more. Thus, do not skip this part. Finally, your waiver form is ready to do the work for you.

FAQs

Why is a waiver form essential?

A waiver form is essential primarily as it removes a real or potential liability for the other party in the agreement. For example, in a settlement between two parties, one party might relinquish its right to pursue any legal action once the settlement is finalized by means of a waiver.

What are the different types of forms?

  • Agreement Form
  • Authorization Form
  • Consent Form
  • Estimate Form
  • Registration Form

When to use a waiver form?

You can use a waiver form if you are to organize activities with potential risk. Also, waivers are used in agreements to remove potential liability or protect a party from legal disputes in the future.

Some people think that a waiver is just a form of consent when parents agree to let their kids join a field trip. However, it is more than that because this form can be used to protect parties’ rights against liability brought by unforeseen circumstances. The next time you let your kids join a school activity or other events outside of your home, without your supervision, secure a waiver form from the organizers. For more templates like this, visit our website today and get the chance to sign up for any of our subscription plans.