A valid release constitutes a complete bar to an action on a claim which is the subject of the release. A release which is clear and unambiguous will be fully enforced, and the court may not look to extrinsic evidence to determine the parties' intent. Although a defendant has the initial burden of establishing that it has been released from any claims, a signed release shifts the burden of going forward to the plaintiff to show that there has been fraud, duress or some other fact which is sufficient to void the release.
Aretakis v. Sheehan, NY Slip Op 03773 (2d Dep't June 17, 2026)
