Can Quillio review settlement deeds?
Yes. I review deeds of settlement and release, check the release wording covers the claims you intended to settle, and flag unusual clauses (non-disparagement, confidentiality carve-outs, indemnities). I mark clauses as standard, worth negotiating, or high risk so you can triage quickly.
What I check
Recitals alignment with the actual dispute, payment terms and timing, the scope of the release (is it mutual? does it cover unknown claims? does it cover related entities?), confidentiality provisions, non-disparagement, tax treatment, jurisdiction and governing law, and execution requirements. I compare against a standard settlement deed template for each Australian jurisdiction.
Release wording
The release clause is usually where settlement deeds go wrong. I check that the release actually captures the claims you are settling, that it is mutual if intended, and that it does not accidentally release claims your client wants to keep (for example, future claims, related party claims).
What you get back
A structured review memo with clause-by-clause commentary and redlined suggestions for the clauses that need changing. I also produce a plain-English summary for the client.
Step-by-step
- Upload the draft deed. Upload the deed as Word or PDF.
- Tell me your client's position. Which party, what claims are being settled, what your client wants to keep alive.
- Run the review. I produce a clause-by-clause memo with redlines for problem areas.
- Send redlines back. Export the redlined version to Word and send back to the other side.
Common issues
- Unknown future claims are not automatically released — the clause needs specific wording
- Tax implications (especially for personal injury settlements) need accountant input, not just legal review
- Settlement deeds between companies need proper execution under section 127 Corporations Act — I flag this
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