A severance agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of a separation agreement between an employer and an employee. This agreement typically includes clauses related to severance pay, non-disclosure agreements, non-compete agreements, and more. While the details of each agreement may vary, one common clause found in many severance agreements is the revocation period.
The revocation period is a period of time during which an employee can revoke or cancel their acceptance of the severance agreement. This period typically lasts for 7 days after the employee signs the agreement. During this time, the employee has the option to consult with an attorney or review the agreement more thoroughly before making a final decision.
The purpose of the revocation period is to give employees the opportunity to fully understand the terms of the agreement and ensure that they are comfortable with the terms before accepting the severance package. This period is also designed to protect employees from being pressured into signing an agreement without fully understanding the consequences.
It is important to note that the revocation period applies only to voluntary severance agreements. If an employee is terminated or laid off involuntarily, they do not have the option to revoke the agreement. In such cases, the employee may have legal recourse if they believe that their rights have been violated.
If an employee decides to revoke their acceptance of the severance agreement during the revocation period, they must notify their employer in writing. This notification must be sent within the 7-day period, and the employee must keep a copy of the notification for their records.
In conclusion, the severance agreement revocation period is an important aspect of any voluntary separation agreement. It gives employees the time and opportunity to fully understand the terms of the agreement and make an informed decision before accepting the severance package. If you are an employee negotiating a severance agreement, it is essential that you understand your rights during the revocation period and seek legal counsel if necessary.