If you’ve recently been laid off or terminated in Hackensack, NJ, you may have received a severance agreement from your employer. While these agreements often come with a financial payout, they usually include clauses that waive important rights—sometimes without employees fully realizing what they’re giving up.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we help employees across New Jersey, including Hackensack, understand and negotiate fair severance agreements. Before you sign anything, it’s essential to know what’s at stake—and whether the terms are in your best interest.
What Is a Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a legal contract between an employer and a departing employee. In exchange for compensation or continued benefits, the employee typically agrees not to sue the employer and may also commit to other terms such as:
- Non-disparagement clauses
- Confidentiality agreements
- Non-compete or non-solicitation clauses
- Waivers of legal claims (e.g., discrimination or wrongful termination)
While severance is not legally required in most situations, employers often offer it to limit legal exposure or maintain goodwill. However, that doesn’t mean you should accept the first offer presented to you.
Why You Should Never Sign Without Legal Review
Many severance agreements contain legal jargon and complex clauses that can impact your career and future claims. Here’s why it’s critical to have an attorney review the agreement first:
- You may be giving up your right to sue: Severance contracts often include a general release of claims that prevents you from pursuing legal action—even if your termination was discriminatory or retaliatory.
- The amount may not be fair: You could be entitled to more compensation, especially if your employer is trying to avoid a lawsuit or if you have leverage.
- Post-employment restrictions can limit your future: Non-compete clauses can restrict where and how you work for months or even years after leaving your job.
When to Negotiate a Better Deal
You may be able to negotiate a better severance package if:
- You believe your termination was unlawful
- You have knowledge of internal company issues or violations
- You had a long tenure or held a high-level position
- The employer is asking for an unusually broad release of claims
With the help of a knowledgeable employment attorney, you can assess your position and improve your severance terms.
Let NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Review Your Agreement
Our firm works with employees throughout Hackensack and Bergen County to ensure they are treated fairly during job transitions. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we review severance agreements, identify risks, and help negotiate better outcomes. We also assess whether you may have a potential wrongful termination or discrimination claim worth pursuing.
If you’ve been asked to sign a severance agreement in Hackensack, don’t go it alone. Learn more about your rights and options by visiting our page for Hackensack severance agreement legal support.
Contact Us Today
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027
Before you sign your rights away, let us review your severance agreement and help you move forward on your terms.
