Groover v

Commercial Bancorp, 220 Ga. App. 13, 467 S.E.2d 355 (1996). Release normally does not relate to a future or contingent claim. — If a ‘‘release’’ speaks in terms of future or contingent claim, it is more accurately denominated ‘‘a covenant not to sue.’’ Thus, a covenant not to sue is appropriately described as an agreement not to sue, given in exchange for lawful consideration. At the time such an agreement is given, there is no claim in existence to be released. It speaks of future, not of present or past. Since no liability exists, none can be released. Wade v. Watson, 527 F. Supp. 1049 (N.D. Ga. 1981), aff ’d, 731 F.2d 890 (11th Cir. 1984). 13-4-81 Cited in Coleman v. Davies, 45 Ga. 489 (1872); Wilkinson v. Conley, 133 Ga. 518, 66 S.E. 372 (1909); Register v. Southern States Phosphate & Fertilizer Co., 157 Ga. 561, 122 S.E. 323 (1924); Kent v. Hair, 60 Ga. App. 652, 4 S.E.2d 703 (1939); Jordan v. Wiggins, 66 Ga. App. 534, 18 S.E.2d 512 (1942); Pennsylvania Threshermen & Farmers Mut. Cas. Ins. Co. v. Hill, 113 Ga. App. 283, 148 S.E.2d 83 (1966); Duncan v. Georgia Money Corp., 222 Ga. 643, 151 S.E.2d 769 (1966); Paris v. Coggin, Haddon, Stuckey & Thompson, 143 Ga. App. 829, 240 S.E.2d 201 (1977); Lester v. Groves, 162 Ga. App. 590, 291 S.E.2d 785 (1982); Graves v. Graves, 252 Ga. 27, 310 S.E.2d 901 (1984); J & S Properties, Inc. v. Sterling, 192 Ga. App. 181, 384 S.E.2d 194 (1989).