Before You Sign a Georgia Severance Package: 3 Tips from a Lawyer
- AskAngie
- Jan 20
- 5 min read
A severance agreement is an optional legal agreement between an employer and an employee, usually offered at the end of an employment relationship. Its purpose is to reduce risk for both sides. The employer agrees to provide a set amount of compensation or benefits, and in return, the employee agrees to waive certain legal rights, such as the ability to bring future claims related to their employment or termination. While this can be a fair exchange, severance agreements are not one size fits all, and the terms can vary widely.
For employees, the challenge is understanding what is reasonable to give up and what may go too far. Some provisions are common and expected, while others can quietly limit future opportunities or legal protections more than necessary. An experienced employment attorney can help you understand the difference, explain how the agreement compares to what is typical in Georgia, and identify whether the severance package truly reflects the value of the rights you are being asked to waive.
Tip 1: Don't sign a Georgia severance package without understanding what you're signing.
Before you put your name on a severance agreement, it’s crucial to fully understand what you’re agreeing to. Keep in mind, your employer’s severance agreement was drafted by their lawyer to protect the company’s interests—not yours. While severance agreements often include standard provisions, you may not realize how some terms could limit your future opportunities or expose you to unexpected risks.
Common provisions in severance agreements include:
A release of claims, which waives your right to sue the employer
Non-compete clauses restricting where you can work next
Confidentiality requirements about the agreement or company information
Non-solicitation clauses preventing you from reaching out to former clients or colleagues
Terms on return of company property and non-disparagement
Conditions on when and how severance payments will be made
You might not know if the non-compete radius is too broad, if the severance amount offered is fair for your role and situation, or how these terms could affect your ability to find your next job. This is especially important for C-suite executives and healthcare professionals, where reputational damage can have serious consequences.
If you want clarity on what you’re really signing and how it impacts your future, book a “Understand My Severance Agreement” session. In just 45 minutes, get clear, straightforward advice from a lawyer who knows Georgia employment law.
Tip 2: Maximize your Georgia severance package with expert advice from an Atlanta Severance Package Lawyer
When it comes to negotiating a severance agreement, what really matters is leverage, knowing how much bargaining power you have. But without a solid understanding of the law and your specific situation, it’s hard to know where you stand. Do you have a strong whistleblower claim? Were you subjected to discrimination, retaliation, or sexual harassment? These factors can significantly increase your leverage in negotiations.
At Edmonds Law Office, we don’t just review severance agreements—we’ve actually litigated and settled cases involving discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims. Because of this real-world experience, we can give you an informed estimate of your case’s potential value. This insight is crucial in helping you negotiate a fair severance package that truly reflects your rights and losses.
If you try to negotiate without this knowledge, you risk accepting less than you deserve. With expert guidance, you can confidently push for a better deal whether that means more compensation, extended benefits, or better terms.
To learn more about how we help clients with severance agreements, visit our Severance Agreement Services page. For a real example of the value expert negotiation can bring, check out our case study on a $50,000 savings in severance negotiation.
Don’t leave money and protection on the table. Talk to an Atlanta severance lawyer who understands the law and your options. Maximize your severance with advice tailored to your case and get the settlement you deserve.
Tip 3: Is Your Georgia severance agreement asking too much for too little pay?
Many severance agreements in Georgia include a long list of restrictions such as non-competes, confidentiality clauses, and non-solicitation, but offer only minimal pay in return, often just four to six weeks. This imbalance can seriously limit your future opportunities while providing very little financial protection.
It is important to remember that severance agreements are completely optional. Employers are not required to offer them, and employees are not required to sign. That is why understanding the delicate balance between the restrictions you are asked to accept and the pay you are offered is critical. If the restrictions are broad but the payment is minimal, you could be giving up far more than you are receiving.
Do not get stuck with a bad deal because you did not know better. Booking an “Understand My Severance Agreement” session with an experienced Georgia employment lawyer can give you the clarity you need. In just 45 minutes and for a flat fee of $1,000, you will learn if the terms you are being asked to accept are fair or if you deserve more. Take control of your future and know exactly what you are signing before it is too late.
Get Expert Help from an Atlanta Severance Lawyer to Review Your Agreement
Edmonds Law can make all the difference in your severance negotiations. On average, our clients see a 40% increase from their initial severance offer. But the benefits go beyond just money. We also work to reduce overly broad non-compete areas, remove unfair restrictions, and negotiate better confidentiality terms. Our experience means you get a severance agreement that truly protects your future, not just a quick payout. With Edmonds Law on your side, you gain stronger financial and legal protections tailored to your needs.
What's the average or typical severance package in Georgia?
There isn’t really an average or typical severance package in Georgia. Each severance offer depends on many factors, including your role, the circumstances of your departure, and most importantly, your leverage in negotiations. Leverage can come from things like potential legal claims, your tenure, or the employer’s desire to avoid disputes.
Because every situation is unique, the best way to understand what you might be entitled to is by consulting an experienced Atlanta severance package lawyer. You might have more leverage than you think, which could significantly increase your severance offer.
If you want to learn more about your options and how we can help, book a free fit call with Edmonds Law Office. We’ll review your situation, explain the process, and show you the best way to protect your rights and maximize your severance.
How does severance pay work in Georgia?
Severance pay in Georgia is part of an optional contract between an employee and employer. This agreement settles certain legal matters related to your employment or termination in exchange for a set amount of money or benefits. Severance is not required by law but is often offered to reduce risk for both parties. Because the terms can vary widely, it’s important to understand what you’re giving up and whether the pay is fair. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you evaluate the value of your severance agreement and ensure you’re making the best decision for your situation.
What are the red flags in a severance agreement?
Watch out for these common red flags in severance agreements:
Long, expansive non-compete clauses that limit your future work
Very short timeframes to review and sign the agreement
Low severance pay compared to the rights and claims you are waiving
One-sided terms that only protect the employer with no mutual benefits
These issues can leave you vulnerable and undercompensated. If you want to make sure your severance agreement is fair and reasonable, book an “Understand My Severance Agreement” session with an experienced lawyer. Get clear, expert advice before you sign anything.
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