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Severance Attorney in Texas: Why You Need One Before You Sign Anything

Getting laid off or terminated from your job can be stressful, confusing, and financially uncertain. In many cases, your employer may offer you a severance package—but before you sign anything, it’s critical to understand what you’re agreeing to. That’s where a severance attorney can help.

A severance agreement often includes legal language, waivers, and restrictive clauses that affect your ability to speak out, compete, or file future claims. By working with an experienced severance attorney, you can ensure your rights are protected, your compensation is fair, and you’re not giving up more than you’re getting.

In this blog, The Lange Firm explains what a severance attorney does, what to watch out for, and how to make sure your exit agreement sets you up for success—not silence.

What Is a Severance Agreement?

A severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that outlines compensation and other terms when the employment relationship ends. It usually includes:

• A lump sum or continuation of salary
  
  
• Payment for unused PTO or vacation
  
  
• COBRA health benefits or extensions
  
  
• Stock options or retirement vesting terms
  
  
• A release of legal claims against the employer
  
  
• Non-compete or non-disparagement clauses
  
  
• Confidentiality provisions
  
  

📌 While severance is not legally required in Texas, many employers offer it to reduce legal risk or show goodwill—especially in layoffs or executive exits.

Why You Should Consult a Severance Attorney

Even if a severance package looks “standard,” signing without legal review could cost you.

A severance attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights under state and federal law
  
  
• Evaluate the fairness of the offer
  
  
• Negotiate for better terms, including more pay or benefits
  
  
• Protect your future job opportunities
  
  
• Preserve your right to pursue claims if necessary
  
  

At The Lange Firm, we’ve reviewed hundreds of severance agreements and helped professionals in tech, healthcare, education, retail, and more walk away with stronger deals and fewer restrictions.

Key Clauses a Severance Attorney Will Review

✅ Waiver of Claims

You may be giving up the right to sue your employer for wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, or unpaid wages. A lawyer will make sure this clause is fair—or negotiate it down.

✅ Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

These clauses may restrict your ability to work in your field or contact clients. A severance attorney can push to narrow, remove, or modify these terms.

✅ Non-Disparagement

This clause may prevent you from saying anything negative about your former employer. An attorney can ensure it’s mutual—or better yet, strike it entirely.

✅ Confidentiality

While most agreements include confidentiality, your attorney will ensure you can still talk to government agencies or file legitimate complaints if needed.

How Much Can You Negotiate in Severance?

Depending on your position, tenure, and the reason for separation, The Lange Firm can often help clients negotiate:

• Additional weeks or months of severance pay
  
  
• Extended health benefits or COBRA assistance
  
  
• Positive references or neutral reference agreements
  
  
• Removal or reduction of non-compete restrictions
  
  
• Retention or acceleration of stock or bonus payouts
  
  
• Reimbursement for legal fees
  
  

💡 The initial offer is rarely the best offer. With legal help, you may get significantly more.

When Should You Contact a Severance Attorney?

You should reach out to a severance lawyer before you sign the agreement—ideally within the review period provided.

If you’re:

• Offered a severance package after a layoff or firing
  
  
• Asked to resign or sign an exit agreement
  
  
• Unsure what you’re giving up by signing
  
  
• Concerned about non-compete restrictions
  
  
• Suspecting discrimination or retaliation
  
  

… it’s time to contact The Lange Firm for a severance consultation.

How Long Do You Have to Decide?

Under federal law (OWBPA), employees over age 40 must be given:

• 21 days to consider a severance agreement
  
  
• 7 days to revoke after signing
  
  

Employers may also provide a review period for all employees—even if not legally required. Use that time to talk to an attorney before agreeing to anything.

Do You Have to Accept Severance to Get Unemployment?

In Texas, receiving severance may delay your eligibility for unemployment benefits—but only during the time covered by severance payments.

The Lange Firm helps you understand how severance interacts with unemployment, health insurance, and your next job.

How The Lange Firm Helps With Severance Agreements

At The Lange Firm, we help Texas employees:

• Review and explain complex legal language
  
  
• Negotiate for more favorable terms
  
  
• Protect your future opportunities and rights
  
  
• Avoid legal traps hidden in boilerplate contracts
  
  
• Stand up to unfair treatment when your employment ends
  
  

We work with employees across industries and job levels—from hourly staff to executives. We’re on your side and ready to fight for your financial future.

📞 Schedule your severance consultation with The Lange Firm today and walk away on your terms—not theirs.

Final Thoughts

A severance agreement is not just a paycheck—it’s a legal contract that can affect your career, your income, and your rights. With help from a knowledgeable severance attorney, you can ensure the deal is fair, protect yourself legally, and transition smoothly to your next chapter.

✅ Don’t sign away your rights without understanding the fine print. Let The Lange Firm guide you to the best possible outcome