[mrsmichael]

What is the appropriate response to being asked to sign a legal agreement in a meeting with HR staff where you are unexpectedly informed that you are being terminated because of staff reductions? Can you be denied a severance package if you don't sign the agreement before leaving the building? I imagine that I would be in shock or very emotional and would be unable to clearly understand the terms of the agreement. Thank you.

[BuckeyeNation]

You should be afforded some amount of time for legal review of the document. Most legal "release" documents state that an employee will not file a lawsuit against the employer. The severance package is "held" until the document is signed. I cannot emphasize enough that you need to have an attorney review the document prior to signing. Make sure the terms of the severance are CLEARLY defined in the Agreement - not in a cover letter. A cover letter is not a legal, binding document.

If you are forced to sign prior to leaving the building, try to keep your emotions in check, but do not sign any document without legal representation.

All severance packages will contain many items for you to consider. Because of this, never sign at the meeting but verify the time you have to review and sign. Most companies offer you 10 days for you to review, have legal council review the letter, etc.