In New York, a written release is enforceable without consideration?

In New York, a written release is enforceable without consideration?

• A. No consideration is needed if in writing
• B. Requires new consideration
• C. Requires the release to be notarized
• D. Requires assignment of rights

Answer: (A)

In New York, a written release binds when it is signed, and the act of promising not to sue or to relinquish a claim is the consideration for the other party. The written instrument itself provides the evidence of the bargain, so you don’t need a separate, additional consideration beyond what the release already embodies. The form matters—a clear, signed written release is typically enforceable without requiring notarization or a transfer of rights. The other options don’t fit because notarization isn’t required, there’s no separate requirement to assign rights, and the essential point is the agreement’s written, signed nature which supplies the consideration via forbearance of the claim.

In New York, a written release binds when it is signed, and the act of promising not to sue or to relinquish a claim is the consideration for the other party. The written instrument itself provides the evidence of the bargain, so you don’t need a separate, additional consideration beyond what the release already embodies. The form matters—a clear, signed written release is typically enforceable without requiring notarization or a transfer of rights. The other options don’t fit because notarization isn’t required, there’s no separate requirement to assign rights, and the essential point is the agreement’s written, signed nature which supplies the consideration via forbearance of the claim.