The loss of a job can severely upend your life. After all, it’s your source of income, and losing it can affect more than just yourself. If you have children, pets, or a spouse, odds are their well-being is directly associated with your income.
Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long you will be without a job. This can create weeks or months of uncertainty for you and your family. Severance packages can offer some sense of normalcy and help you provide in the meantime, but they are not always sufficient. This is where a severance agreement lawyer can help.
If you or a loved one have recently lost your job and received a lackluster severance package that is far less than what you deserve, you need an experienced severance agreement attorney by your side. To learn more about how we can help, get in touch with our Newark employment lawyers today.
What is a severance package?
Severance pay is a compensation package that organizations occasionally offer employees upon termination — often in exchange for an agreement to not sue the company for losing their job. They often contain provisions and benefits (like health insurance) that would have otherwise been terminated along with your employment.
This can provide a way to make ends meet while you spend time searching for new employment. These benefits typically last for a few months, or just long enough for you to obtain a new job.
Unfortunately, these packages are not always commensurate with your professional role and abilities. When this happens, many people do not realize they have the ability to negotiate a new severance package. This is where a severance agreement lawyer comes in.
Negotiating a Severance Package
Being fired is a stressful experience and enough to muddle anyone’s thoughts. For this reason, many people tend to accept their severance package at face value and move on with their lives. However, it is important to know that you do not have to do this.
If you do opt to negotiate additional severance benefits, you need to present clear and concise reasons as to why you should be given those benefits. This is one of the areas where an attorney can prove extremely beneficial. Their working knowledge of employment law will enable you to put your best foot forward during negotiations.
Even if you are keen to challenge your severance package on your own, it might be beneficial to consult an attorney to review your documents so they can point you in the right direction. Even if they do not represent you directly, they can provide advice that can make the entire process less stressful.
The Importance of Contacting a Newark Employment Law Attorney
Negotiating a severance package can be an extremely unpleasant experience. After all, you will have to deal directly with the people who have just terminated your employment, which can be stressful in and of itself. Beyond that, you might not be aware of what leverage you have at your disposal as a former employee.
However, an employment law lawyer can help in various ways. First of all, they see these cases every day and can help you prepare for various scenarios. They specialize in reviewing severance agreements and will be able to assess your services to the company. Therefore, they’ll be able to determine whether the agreement adequately reflects the work you put in. Additionally, their working knowledge of employment law will allow them to determine whether all of the contract’s provisions align with the law.
There are several more reasons why you should consult with an employment law attorney about your severance package. When you meet with our attorney, they can help with the following:
- Make sure any waiver you sign is legal and fair
- Review any non-compete and non-disparagement clauses
- Ensure you receive exactly what you are owed
- Negotiate other benefits that may have been excluded
- Take the lead in negotiations to make sure your interests are represented
In this regard, it is important that you refrain from signing anything until your attorney has had a chance to review it.
Finally, an employment law attorney will advocate on your behalf in the event of negotiations or litigation. In this regard, NJ Employment Lawyers has the experience and tenacity required to represent your interests.
Contact Our Newark Employment Lawyers Today
Losing your job can be a stressful experience. Unfortunately, this stress can hinder your ability to negotiate for a fair severance package. To ensure your needs are met, it is vital that you turn to a reputable employment attorney who will fight for the package you and your family need.
If you are ready to hire a lawyer to help maximize your severance agreement, NJ Employment Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today for more information.