Plain-English guides to severance agreements — what every clause means, what you can negotiate, and how to protect yourself before you sign.
Getting laid off is overwhelming. Here's exactly what to do in the first 72 hours — what to ask your employer, what not to sign, and how to protect your rights.
Read Guide →
Most employees have no baseline for evaluating whether their offer is fair. Here's how to benchmark your severance — weeks of pay, benefits continuation, and what's negotiable.
Read Guide →
Not all severance agreements are standard. These 7 clauses can have serious long-term consequences — and most employees don't spot them until it's too late.
Read Guide →
Yes, severance is taxable income. But how it's taxed — withholding rate, lump sum vs. salary continuation, FICA — depends on factors most employees don't think about until too late.
Read Guide →
Equity treatment can be worth more than your cash severance — or nothing. Here's what happens to unvested RSUs, stock options, and ESPP shares after a layoff.
Read Guide →
The most consequential part of your agreement — explained in plain English. What rights you're permanently waiving and what can't be waived under any circumstances.
Read Guide →
Federal law gives employees over 40 at least 21 days — plus a 7-day revocation window after signing. Here's what you need to know about your review rights.
Read Guide →
Yes — and you should. Here's what's negotiable, how to approach the conversation, and when to bring in an employment attorney before you respond.
Read Guide →
Your vested 401(k) is yours — no matter what. Here's what happens to your retirement savings, your options, and what your agreement might say about deferred compensation.
Read Guide →
Duration, geography, scope, enforceability by state — everything you need to understand before agreeing to any restrictions on your future employment.
Read Guide →
Can you post on Glassdoor after leaving? What you can and can't say — and what happens if you cross the line after signing.
Read Guide →
COBRA, marketplace plans, spouse coverage — your options explained clearly so you don't end up uninsured during your job search.
Read Guide →
The standard formula, what factors affect your amount, and how to tell if your offer is fair before you sign on the dotted line.
Read Guide →
Your employer can require you to assist them years after you leave. Here's what cooperation clauses cover and how to limit your post-employment obligations.
Read Guide →
Yes — under certain conditions. Learn what triggers a clawback, how common it is, and what your agreement says about the conditions that could require repayment.
Read Guide →Your severance agreement is a legal document with long-term consequences. Get a plain-English explainer before you decide — starting at $147.
Get My Explainer — $147