Quick orientation
This guide may be useful if:
- You received a proposed severance, separation, release, or exit agreement.
- You are considering compensation, benefits, restrictive language, deadlines, or references to legal claims.
- You want to organize your questions before you decide whether to sign.
Plain-language overview
What this concern can involve.
Severance and separation agreements may address compensation, benefits, releases, confidentiality, non-disparagement, restrictive terms, cooperation, and other obligations. The language and practical effect can vary substantially from one agreement to another.
An agreement’s deadline, eligibility conditions, governing law, and relationship to workplace events can all be important. A general article cannot determine whether a specific proposal is appropriate for you.
Facts matter
What can change the analysis.
- The full written agreement, attachments, and any deadline or revocation language.
- Compensation, benefits, equity, leave, references, restrictive provisions, and release terms.
- The employment history and events leading to separation.
- Applicable law, employer type, jurisdiction, and individual objectives.
Practical preparation
Steps that can help you prepare.
- Read the full agreement and gather all attachments or related communications.
- List questions about compensation, benefits, deadlines, restrictions, and release language.
- Preserve relevant employment records you are permitted to keep.
- Consider individualized advice before signing or making assumptions about a deadline.
Common questions
Questions employees often ask.
Select a question to expand the answer.
Is a severance agreement the same for every employee?View answerHide answer
No. Terms can vary widely by employer, position, agreement, jurisdiction, and individual circumstances.
Can a deadline matter?View answerHide answer
Deadlines may be important, but their effect can depend on the agreement and applicable law. Read the complete document and seek individualized advice promptly if needed.
What should I prepare for a review?View answerHide answer
The complete agreement, any attachments, relevant employment documents, and a concise factual timeline can help frame questions.
Think this applies to you?
Talk to an employment attorney about your situation.
General information can only take you so far. Tell us what happened and we will let you know whether it is something we can help with.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.