Consent Form Template

All states | 9 types
Consent Form Page 1
Preview
4.8 (1 review)
Updated Dec 8, 2023
~ 1 page
PDF
2.5K downloads
A general consent form is a crucial legal document that establishes understanding and safeguards an individual's rights within a wide array of scenarios. This form ensures that the individual providing consent comprehends the implications of the actions they are agreeing to. Edit this consent form on Lawrina and download a prepared PDF document in a few clicks.
Choose your type of this legal template.
Document Types
Background Check Authorization Form
This form is used to gain permission to conduct a background check on another individual.
1.5K downloads
Child Travel Consent Form
This form permits a minor to travel without their parents or guardians abroad.
2.5K downloads
Data Collection Consent Form
This form guarantees ethical and legal procurement of individual data.
2.6K downloads
Landlord Consent to Sublease
This form is necessary when a tenant intends to sublet their rented property.
9.6K downloads
Minor (Child) Medical Consent Form
This form ensures that a child's medical needs will be met while their parents are away.
2K downloads
Photo Consent Form
A photo consent form gives the photographer the right to use another’s image.
2.9K downloads
Sexual Consent Form
This consent form outlines intentions of engaging in sexual activities between parties.
3K downloads
Waxing Consent Form
This consent form helps protect the service provider and the client interested in waxing.
2.5K downloads
When to Use a Consent Form
Parties of the Consent Form
Key Terms
How to Write a General Consent Form
Paper titled "General Consent Form"; man talking to a woman and sitting at the desk

A general consent form is a crucial legal document that establishes understanding and safeguards an individual's rights within a wide array of scenarios.

Constructed to protect personal autonomy from unauthorized actions, a consent form ensures that the individual providing consent comprehends the implications of the actions they are agreeing to. By signing a general consent form PDF, individuals pledge to take part in or permit specific actions or procedures, fostering a secure environment for their rights to be respected. 

When to Use a Consent Form

Implementing a general consent form could prove advantageous in numerous scenarios due to the benefits it provides:

  • Clarity on the specific actions or procedures being consented to;
  • Understanding of obligations for both the requesting party and consenting party;
  • The implications of providing consent are clearly stated.

In the end, if the involved parties opt not to use a general consent form or a consent letter template, they may potentially compromise the amount of legal and ethical protection afforded to them. Furthermore, their interactions or transactions may lack the necessary clarity, potentially leading to misunderstandings or disputes. 

Key examples of everyday use include:

  • Photographers seeking consent to use images of subjects

  • Researchers need consent to use people's personal data

  • Schools request parental consent for a child to participate in an event

Parties of the Consent Form

In a general consent form, there are typically two involved parties:

  • The Requesting Party: This entity or individual requests consent for a particular action or set of actions. The requesting party seeks to protect their ethical and legal interests by ensuring that any action taken is authorized and justified. They have the right to expect that the informed consent provided by the second party is given freely, is well-informed, and is specific to the situation at hand.

  • The Consenting Party: This individual provides consent, giving the first party permission to undertake the specified action(s). As the consenting party, they must understand the terms of the consent form and ensure that their permission is given in full awareness of the implications. This includes refraining from later claiming coercion, misinformation, or misunderstanding and taking necessary measures to fully understand the implications before providing consent.

Key Terms

  1. Informed Consent: Refers to the requirement that the consenting party must have been given all necessary and relevant information to make an informed decision.
  2. Capacity: The ability of the consenting party to understand the information presented and the implications of their decision.
  3. Voluntary Consent: Consent must be given freely without coercion or undue influence.
  4. Specific Consent: A form of consent that is given concerning specific procedures, activities, or data usage.
  5. Implied Consent: Consent that is not explicitly given but inferred from a person's actions and circumstances.

How to Write a General Consent Form

Whether you are an individual seeking consent for a particular action or an entity needing permission for a specific operation, you can swiftly create a professional generic consent form. 

Start by using a reliable template, such as the one provided by Lawrina Templates, and discuss the agreement terms with the other party. Once you have obtained a fillable general consent form template, follow the steps below to customize your document:

  1. Begin by obtaining a clear understanding of all the specifics related to the actions or procedures requiring consent. These specifics should be explicitly clarified in discussions with the parties involved.

  2. When drafting the general consent form, use an example consent form as a guide. Incorporate the names of all involved parties along with their contact details. Remember to state the effective date of the consent clearly.

  3. Include a comprehensive list of essential terms and definitions throughout the consent form to make clear any potential ambiguities. For instance, the term “Procedure” might need clarity. Define what specifically constitutes the "Procedure" in the consent form.

  4. Detail the action or procedure for which consent is being sought, much like what is done in a sample of a consent letter. Subsequently, define each party's role and responsibilities, including the actions the party seeking consent will undertake and any decision-making power the party giving consent will retain.

  5. Provide a thorough explanation of the implications of giving consent, including any potential risk factors. This is also an optimal place to underscore the voluntary aspect of the consent being given.

  6. Include the safeguards in place for the party providing consent and the consequences if the party seeking consent breaches the agreement. Consider including terms about revoking consent, the term duration of the consent, jurisdiction, and dispute resolution methods.

  7. Ensure all parties understand the specifics of the agreement along with their respective duties and expectations. Make necessary revisions until a consensus is reached.

  8. For the consent form to be legally binding, all parties involved must sign and date it.