Abstract: A device is provided which is adapted to electrostatically pull a cantilever away from a conductive pad. In particular, a microelectromechanical device is provided which includes a fulcrum contact structure interposed between two electrodes spaced under a cantilever and a conductive pad arranged laterally adjacent to one of the electrodes. The cantilever may be brought into contact with the conductive pad by residual forces within the cantilever and/or an application of a closing voltage to one of the electrodes. Such a device may be adapted bring the cantilever in contact with the fulcrum contact structure by applying an actuation voltage to the other of the electrodes. In addition, the actuation voltage may deflect the cantilever away from the conductive pad. In some cases, deflecting the cantilever from the conductive pad may include releasing the closing voltage and increasing the actuation voltage subsequent to the release of the closing voltage.