Opinion ID: 2614600
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Waiver and Release Provision.

Text: The district judge concluded that the waiver and release provision of the rental agreement signed by Clifford prevented any recovery on Clifford's part, but because Diane did not sign the agreement, it did not apply to her. The interpretation and legal effect of a contract are questions of law over which this Court exercises free review. First Security Bank of Idaho v. Murphy, 131 Idaho 787, 791, 964 P.2d 654, 658 (1998). Sawtelle and Williams argue that the district judge erred in reaching this conclusion because under Idaho community property law one spouse can contractually bind the community. Nonetheless, the judge, adopting the Hanks position, correctly reasoned that a spouse's health and well-being is personal to that spouse. Damages recovered for personal injuries remain the separate property of the injured spouse. See, e.g., Rogers v. Yellowstone Park Co., 97 Idaho 14, 20, 539 P.2d 566, 572 (1975). Assuming the waiver and release provision is legally enforceable, Clifford's signature cannot bind Diane's separate interests based solely upon Clifford's status as Diane's husband.