Under New York law, a release may be enforceable without consideration if it is

• A. In Writing And Supported By New Consideration.
• B. In Writing Only.
• C. In Writing No Consideration Is Needed.
• D. In Writing And Notarized.

Answer: (C)

A release is a contract to give up a claim, and under New York law a written release can be enforceable without separate new consideration. The written instrument itself shows the parties’ intent to settle and forego claims, so the act of signing and delivering the release provides the necessary effect even without an extra exchange of consideration. In other words, the release can bind the parties as long as it is in writing and properly executed, without needing additional value added for consideration. Notarization isn’t required, and adding a requirement for new consideration would unnecessarily limit enforceability.