Find the Sneaky Clauses in Your Severance Agreement
Don't rush to sign your severance. Understand what you're giving up, and what you might be able to negotiate.
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Common Red Flags in Severance Agreements
These are the types of clauses our AI looks for
TrapBroad release of all claims
You give up your right to sue for anything, including discrimination or unpaid wages.
This release is extremely broad and covers claims you may not even know about yet. Standard practice is to release employment-related claims, but this goes further by including wage claims and potential discrimination.
SneakyNon-disparagement clause
You can't say anything negative about the company, but they can say whatever they want about you.
This non-disparagement is one-sided. If you accept it, you can't post negative reviews, talk to the press, or even vent to friends about your experience. Consider asking for mutual non-disparagement.
Cooperation clause with no time limit
You agree to help with lawsuits or investigations indefinitely, with no compensation for your time.
Cooperation clauses are common, but this one has no time limit and no mention of compensation for time spent. You could be called to testify or provide documents years later at your own expense.
WatchfulSigning deadline pressure
You have 7 days to sign or the offer expires.
Seven days is a short window designed to pressure you into signing before you fully understand what you are giving up. Take the time you need. Rushing this decision almost always benefits them, not you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign my severance agreement right away?
No. They want you to sign fast because pressure works in their favor. Take your time, upload it, and see what you're actually giving up before you agree to anything.
Can I negotiate my severance agreement?
Almost always. The payout, health insurance coverage, non-compete restrictions, and reference terms are all on the table. They expect you to negotiate. Sneaky Terms shows you which clauses to push back on.
What should I look for in a severance agreement?
Focus on what rights you're giving up, not just what you're getting. The release of claims section tells you what you can never sue them for, and the non-compete tells you where you can't work next. Sneaky Terms breaks down both.
Is a severance agreement legally binding?
Yes. Once you sign, you're locked in and you give up the right to sue. That's why understanding every clause before you sign matters more here than almost any other contract.
Is this legal advice?
No. Sneaky Terms tells you what a clause means and whether it is one-sided. What you do about it is your call. For anything serious, talk to a local lawyer.
What happens to my document after I upload it?
No. Your contract is processed and deleted immediately. It is never saved to your account or retained in our system. Only your analysis results are stored, and only to your account.