Should I sign a waiver and release for severance pay?
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Should I sign a waiver and release for severance pay?
I was given a 4 page Severance Plan waiver and release document in order to receive severance pay for separation due to my position at work being eliminated. In signing this paper I waive and release all claims of whatever nature that I may have , including claims I know about against the persons and organizations listed arising from employment or termination of that employment.Also in the letter it states I will not release any claims filed under any state’s workers compensation laws and prior to the date of my termination of employment or any State or local unemployment benefit claims.
Asked on June 29, 2009 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
B. B., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Without reading through the document itself, there's no way for any attorney to tell you whether or not you should sign this, and how it's going to be interpreted under Florida's law. One place to find a lawyer in your area, who can help you with this, is our website, http://attorneypages.com
I don't practice in your state, but unless you have a contract of employment, your employer doesn't need a reason to fire you, and you probably have no legal right to severance pay. Without knowing more, it doesn't sound like there's anything wrong with signing this -- but what you've talked about in the question is just a small part of the picture.
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