Voluntary Settlement Agreement for Germany

Voluntary Settlement Agreement Template for Germany

A Voluntary Settlement Agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag) under German law is a mutually agreed document between an employer and employee to terminate their employment relationship by consent. This agreement serves as a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the employment termination, including severance payments, final salary arrangements, treatment of benefits, and mutual releases of claims. The document must comply with German labor law requirements, including specific provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB) and consideration of social security implications. It typically includes provisions for reference letters, confidentiality obligations, and the settlement of all outstanding matters between the parties.

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What is a Voluntary Settlement Agreement?

The Voluntary Settlement Agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag) is a crucial document in German employment law used when both employer and employee agree to terminate their employment relationship by mutual consent. This agreement is commonly utilized in situations where a clean break is desired by both parties, often as an alternative to unilateral termination. The document serves to prevent potential employment litigation and provides certainty for both parties regarding the termination terms. It must be carefully drafted to comply with German labor law requirements, including consideration of social security implications and potential unemployment benefit impacts. The agreement typically includes comprehensive provisions covering severance payments, final salary arrangements, benefit treatments, and mutual releases, while ensuring protection of both parties' interests under German jurisdiction.

What sections should be included in a Voluntary Settlement Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the employer and employee with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Brief context of the employment relationship and mutual decision to terminate

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Termination of Employment: Clear statement of the termination date and mutual agreement to end the employment relationship

5. Final Salary and Benefits: Details of final regular salary payment, including pro-rata calculations

6. Severance Payment: Amount, calculation basis, and payment terms of the severance package

7. Holiday Entitlement: Settlement of remaining vacation days and any compensation in lieu

8. Release of Claims: Mutual waiver of claims related to the employment relationship

9. Confidentiality: Ongoing obligations regarding company secrets and confidential information

10. Reference Letter: Commitment to provide a qualified reference letter (qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis)

11. Final Provisions: Severability clause, written form requirement, and applicable law

What sections are optional to include in a Voluntary Settlement Agreement?

1. Garden Leave: Terms of release from duty to work until termination date, if applicable

2. Company Property: List and return procedure for company assets, if any items need to be returned

3. Post-Contractual Non-Compete: Terms of any continuing competition restrictions, if applicable

4. Pension and Benefits: Treatment of company pension rights and other benefits, if applicable

5. Outplacement Support: Details of any career transition services offered

6. Stock Options/Share Rights: Treatment of existing equity compensation, if applicable

7. Works Council Agreement: Reference to works council involvement, if applicable

8. Social Plan Reference: Reference to existing social plan if termination is part of larger restructuring

What schedules should be included in a Voluntary Settlement Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Severance Calculation: Detailed calculation of severance payment including factors considered

2. Schedule 2 - Company Property List: Itemized list of company property to be returned

3. Schedule 3 - Outstanding Benefits Calculation: Detailed calculation of pro-rated bonuses, vacation pay, and other benefits

4. Appendix A - Reference Letter Draft: Agreed form of reference letter to be issued

5. Appendix B - Release Form: Detailed release of claims form if required separately

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use
Relevant Industries

Technology

Manufacturing

Financial Services

Professional Services

Healthcare

Retail

Construction

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Energy

Transportation

Media and Entertainment

Real Estate

Hospitality

Pharmaceutical

Relevant Teams

Human Resources

Legal

Compliance

Finance

Operations

Executive Leadership

Industrial Relations

Payroll

Employee Relations

Corporate Communications

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Human Resources Director

Legal Counsel

Chief Financial Officer

Department Manager

Line Manager

HR Business Partner

Compliance Officer

Operations Director

General Manager

Regional Manager

Managing Director

Head of Department

Senior Manager

Project Manager

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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