Civil Code section 1542

A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.

Source: Section 1542, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1542. (updated Jan. 1, 2019; accessed Oct. 27, 2025).

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Verified:
Oct. 27, 2025

§ 1542's source at ca.gov

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Location: https://california.public.law/codes/civil_code_section_1542

Original Source: Section 1542, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1542. (last accessed May 12, 2025).