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EmploymentSeverance

Should I sign this severance agreement?

CAj_ramos1 month ago

Got laid off. Severance is 8 weeks pay. Agreement has a release of all claims and an NDA. Sign?

1 reply

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Folake Okeke avatarFolake OkekeVerified Attorney1 month ago

Don't sign today. Two reasons to slow down. (1) You generally have 21 days to consider an agreement that releases age-discrimination claims (OWBPA — ADEA waiver requires it), and the employer often gives that window for any release. (2) If you have ANY potential claim (discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, missed breaks, off-the-clock work), the release waives ALL of them in exchange for the severance — sometimes that's a great trade, sometimes you're leaving real money on the table. A $250-$500 attorney review can tell you. The right question isn't 'should I sign,' it's 'how much am I giving up by signing, and is 8 weeks fair compensation for releasing those claims?'

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.