The "Clean Break" Document.
Download the 2026 Separation & General Release Agreement.
Protect Your Company from Lawsuits. Secure IP. Clawback Equity.
Firing someone is the hardest part of being a founder.
It is also the most dangerous. A disgruntled ex-employee can destroy your startup by:
Suing you for "Wrongful Termination."
Reporting you to the Department of Labor.
Keeping your laptop and proprietary data.
Bad-mouthing you to investors and customers.
"At-Will" employment is not a shield against lawsuits.
Even if you can fire them for "no reason," they can still sue you claiming discrimination or retaliation. The only way to stop this is to buy a General Release.
The Legal Attorney Separation Agreement stops the bleeding.
What You Get Inside the Kit:
1. The Master Separation Agreement (Word)
A comprehensive, legal contract engineered for 2026 compliance.
The "General Release" Clause: The employee agrees to waive their right to sue you for anything that happened during their employment.
The "Non-Disparagement" Clause: Prevents them from posting negative reviews on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or Twitter. (Includes the mandatory NLRB savings clause to make it enforceable).
The "IP Lockdown" Clause: Re-affirms that they must return all data, delete all files, and surrender all passwords.
2. The Equity Clarity Section
Most free templates forget about stock options. Ours doesn't.
Clearly defines how many shares are Vested (they keep).
Clearly defines how many shares are Unvested (you take back).
Sets the strict 90-day deadline for exercising options.
3. The OWBPA Waiver (Age 40+ Protection)
Federal law is very strict about firing employees over 40. Our template includes the mandatory "21-Day Consideration Period" and "7-Day Revocation Period" language required by the ADEA. Without this, your release is worthless in court.
4. The Severance Schedule (Exhibit A)
A clear, fill-in-the-blank schedule to outline exactly how much money they get and when they get it (e.g., "Lump sum on Day 14").
Why Founders Need This Specific Template:
1. It prevents "Zombie Equity"
If you fire someone and don't clarify their stock situation in writing, they might come back 5 years later (when you IPO) claiming they still own 5% of the company. This document kills that risk.
2. It is Updated for 2026 Labor Laws
Old separation agreements used illegal "Gag Orders" that are now voided by the NLRB. Our template uses the modern "Protected Rights" language so your contract remains valid.
3. It Saves $2,500 in Legal Fees
An employment lawyer charges 400−600 per hour to draft a separation agreement. You can download this, fill in the blanks in 15 minutes, and be protected for a fraction of the cost.
End the Relationship Properly.
Today's Price: $99 | Save over 30% off the $145 retail price.
(One-time payment. Instant Download. Fully Editable.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to pay Severance?
Legally, no (in most US states). But strategically, YES. You are not paying them a bonus; you are buying their signature on the release. Standard practice is 2 weeks of pay in exchange for waiving their right to sue.
2. Can I use this for layoffs?
Yes, but if you are firing a group of people (e.g., more than 5 employees over 40), you need an additional "OWBPA Disclosure List." This template is designed for individual terminations, which covers 95% of startup situations.
3. What if they refuse to sign?
Then you do not pay them the severance. They leave with their final paycheck only. You still fire them, but you don't get the legal protection of the release.
