Anaheim Severance Agreement Lawyer

Anaheim Severance Agreement Attorney

Losing a job can be stressful. Reviewing a severance package can add an additional layer of stress to your situation. While severance packages can provide some financial security during a difficult transition, they often contain terms that impact your future employment opportunities or hinder your legal rights. Before signing any agreement, it’s important to contact an Anaheim severance agreement lawyer to help you understand the full implications of your severance package.

The Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams reviews and negotiates severance agreements for employees. We can assist you in ensuring that your severance package is fair, legally sound, and supports your financial interests during this time of job loss.

If you need legal advice on employment matters beyond severance agreements, consider consulting an experienced employment lawyer in Anaheim for comprehensive guidance.

What Is a Severance Agreement?

A severance agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms of separation between an employee and employer after termination or layoff. While employers are not legally obligated to offer severance benefits, many companies provide these agreements as a goodwill gesture or as part of the employee’s contract. Severance agreements generally include the following:

• Severance pay. Years of service or company policy determines the compensation payout.
• Health benefits. Former employees may receive a continuation of healthcare coverage for a specified period.
• Non-disparagement and confidentiality clause. This might include restrictions on what an employee can say about the company.
• Release of claims. This type of clause may require the employee to forfeit the right to sue the employer for wrongful termination or other claims.
• Non-compete. The employee agrees not to work for a competitor or start a competing business, usually within a specified time frame.

While severance agreements can provide short-term financial relief after a job loss, they may also contain clauses that limit your future opportunities or options to seek fair legal action. Therefore, it’s imperative to have an attorney review the terms of your severance package prior to signing.

The Importance of Legal Review

Employees often assume that severance agreements are standard documents with little room for negotiation. However, these contracts contain legal language that may waive important rights. Some key reasons to have an Anaheim severance agreement lawyer review your severance package include:

• Ensuring fair compensation. Employers may initially offer a severance amount that is lower than what you deserve. An attorney can ensure the offered compensation aligns with industry standards and your contribution to the company.
• Protecting future employment opportunities. Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses can limit your chances of finding a new job in the industry. A lawyer can negotiate for these restrictions to be removed or adjusted.
• Preserving legal rights. Severance agreements require employees to waive their right to file claims for discrimination, wrongful termination, or unpaid wages.
• Clarifying confidentiality. Some agreements contain overly broad confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses that can prevent you from discussing your employment experience.

If your employer encourages you to sign your severance agreement quickly, take time to seek legal guidance to understand the push. California law requires employers to provide sufficient time to review severance agreements that include waivers of rights.

Negotiating a Severance Package

Employers may be willing to adjust terms to avoid potential legal disputes or maintain goodwill with departing employees. With the right strategy, you can secure a severance package that aligns with your needs.

An experienced severance lawyer can assess whether your agreement is fair, identify key areas for improvement, and negotiate directly with your employer to secure better terms. Employers often take negotiations more seriously when an attorney is involved, which increases your chances of obtaining a favorable severance package.

The Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams are committed to protecting employees in Anaheim. We carefully review your severance agreement, explain your legal rights, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the most favorable financial outcome.

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Should I Hire a Lawyer to Negotiate My Severance?

Hiring a lawyer to negotiate your severance is a wise decision, especially if you believe the package your employer gave you is unfair or if legal complexities are involved. An attorney can assess the terms and identify any hidden clauses. Anaheim severance agreement lawyers can also negotiate for better financial compensation, extended benefits, or favorable non-compete terms. They can ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws.

What Is the New Law for Severance Agreements in California?

California’s “Silenced No More Act” took effect in 2022. It prohibits non-disclosure and non-disparagement clauses in severance agreements related to workplace harassment, retaliation, or discrimination. Employees must also be given at least five business days to review the agreement, giving them time to consult an attorney, if necessary. This law ensures greater transparency and protection for employees while limiting employers’ ability to silence workers through severance agreements.

What Is the Rule of 70 for Severance?

The “Rule of 70” for severance is an informal guideline used by some companies to determine severance pay based on an employee’s age or years of service. It suggests that when an employee’s age and years of service add up to 70 or more, they may be eligible for enhanced severance benefits. Some employers use this as a factor in structuring severance packages, though it is not a legal requirement.

What Is a Typical Severance Package in California?

A typical severance package in California often includes weekly pay based on years of service and the continuation of health benefits for a limited time. Some employees might receive a more generous package that includes bonuses or extended benefits. Severance agreements may also include non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, or waivers of legal claims. Employers do not have to follow a legal requirement to offer severance unless stated in the employment contract or company policy.

Contact the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams Today

If you’ve been presented with a severance agreement, don’t sign anything until you understand what is presented. The Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams can help you negotiate your severance package, ensuring you receive the compensation and benefits you deserve.

With extensive experience in California law, we protect employees from unfair agreements and unlawful clauses. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to review your severance package and explore your options.