Confidentiality & Legal

Free Liability Waiver for Minors Template (PDF)

A release and waiver of liability for a minor is the version to use whenever the participant is under 18 — it's signed by a parent or legal guardian on the minor's behalf, which the adult version can't substitute for.

When to use it

Use this any time a minor is taking part in an activity with real physical risk — youth sports, a kids' class, a camp, or any event where a child could get hurt and you need a parent or guardian's informed consent on record beforehand.

What's typically included

• Minor participant's name (as a filled-in detail, not a signer)
• Acknowledgment of risk on the minor's behalf
• Release of liability
• Indemnification
• Medical treatment authorization
• Enforceability notes
• Parent/guardian signature block

How to fill it in

• The minor's name is a custom variable you fill in once — the parent or legal guardian is the one who signs, so confirm the signer you add actually has that legal standing, not just a relative or caregiver without it.
• List the actual risks specific to the activity, same as the adult version — a guardian giving informed consent needs to know what they're actually agreeing to.
• If the same guardian is signing for multiple children (siblings at one camp or class), use a separate copy of this release for each child rather than listing more than one minor on a single form.

This template is a general starting point, not legal advice — customize it and have it reviewed for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Can the minor sign this themselves once they're old enough to write their name?

No — this release specifically requires a parent or legal guardian's signature, regardless of the minor's age. If the participant is 18 or older, use the adult release / waiver of liability template instead, which they can sign themselves.

Is an electronically signed release valid when a guardian signs on a minor's behalf?

Yes — the U.S. ESIGN Act and state UETA laws apply the same way to a guardian's electronic signature as to any other signer's, as long as they consented to sign electronically.

Does this waive the minor's own future right to sue once they turn 18?

This varies by state, and courts in several states have limited a parent's ability to waive a minor's own future claims. Treat this release as a strong record of informed consent rather than an absolute guarantee against any future claim — check your state's law for activities with meaningful risk.