Severance Release Form for the United States

Severance Release Form Template for United States

A Severance Release Form is a legal document used in the United States that outlines the terms and conditions under which an employee agrees to waive their rights to pursue legal claims against their employer in exchange for severance benefits. The document must comply with federal laws including ADEA and OWBPA, as well as state-specific employment laws. It typically includes details about severance payment, benefits continuation, and release of claims.

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What is a Severance Release Form?

A Severance Release Form is utilized when an employer terminates an employee and offers severance benefits in exchange for the employee's agreement not to pursue legal claims. The document must carefully comply with U.S. federal and state employment laws, particularly when dealing with employees over 40 years old. The form typically includes specific consideration periods, revocation rights, and detailed explanations of benefits. It serves as protection for both the employer and provides clarity for the departing employee regarding their rights and benefits.

What sections should be included in a Severance Release Form?

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

2. Background: Context of employment relationship, termination circumstances, and purpose of agreement

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Released Claims', 'Effective Date', and 'Severance Payment'

4. Severance Payment: Details of severance amount, payment schedule, tax treatment, and conditions for payment

5. Release of Claims: Comprehensive release of all known and unknown claims against employer and related entities

6. Consideration Period: Statutory review period (21 days for individual termination, 45 days for group termination)

7. Revocation Rights: 7-day revocation period and process for revocation as required by ADEA

8. Acknowledgments: Employee acknowledgments regarding understanding of rights, voluntary acceptance, and consultation with counsel

9. Governing Law: Specification of applicable state law and jurisdiction for disputes

What sections are optional to include in a Severance Release Form?

1. Non-Compete Provisions: Restrictions on future employment and business activities, when permitted by state law

2. Confidentiality Obligations: Requirements for maintaining confidentiality of company information and terms of agreement

3. Benefits Continuation: Terms of continued health insurance, COBRA rights, and other benefits

4. Non-Disparagement: Mutual or one-way obligations to refrain from making negative statements

5. Return of Company Property: Requirements and timeline for returning company equipment, documents, and materials

What schedules should be included in a Severance Release Form?

1. Schedule A - Severance Calculation: Detailed breakdown of severance payment including base salary, bonuses, and deductions

2. Schedule B - Benefits Summary: Comprehensive list of continued benefits, duration, and terms

3. Appendix A - State-Specific Provisions: Additional provisions required by applicable state law

4. Appendix B - ADEA Disclosure: Required disclosure for employees over 40, including eligibility factors and time limits

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

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Release Agreement

Cost

Free to use
Industries

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law requiring specific provisions for employees 40 and older, including 21-day consideration period, 7-day revocation period, and clear language requirements in severance agreements

Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA): Federal law providing additional protections for older workers, including specific requirements for group termination situations

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing wage and hour standards that must be considered in calculating final pay and severance amounts

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Federal anti-discrimination law that must be referenced in release provisions while ensuring the agreement doesn't waive non-waivable rights

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law protecting disabled employees' rights that must be considered in release language and severance terms

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Federal law protecting employee leave rights that must be addressed in release provisions

State-Specific Employment Laws: Varying state requirements regarding waiting periods, payment timing, non-compete provisions, and consideration requirements for severance agreements

Internal Revenue Code Provisions: Federal tax requirements governing the treatment of severance payments, including withholding obligations and reporting requirements

EEOC Guidelines: Federal requirements for valid waivers and non-discrimination provisions in severance agreements

COBRA Requirements: Federal law mandating notice obligations and healthcare continuation rights that must be addressed in severance agreements

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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