Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have my settlement agreement negotiated on my behalf?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding document. Negotiating its terms can provide you with greater financial security, better conditions, and peace of mind. Often, the employer’s initial offer is not optimal. By having an experienced employment law attorney negotiate on your behalf, you increase your chances of securing a higher severance package, a more favorable termination date, or, for example, the removal of a non-compete clause. You’ll be in a stronger position with someone by your side who knows the rules and professionally defends your interests.

What can be negotiated in a settlement agreement?

There’s often more room to negotiate than you think. For example:

• Amount of the Severance Pay / Transition Allowance
• Notice Period and End Date
• Continued Payment of Wages or Exemption from Work
• Payment for vacation days, bonuses, or other compensation
• Removing or Limiting a Non-Competition or Non-Solicitation Clause
• Recording of a positive evaluation and positive references
• Reimbursement of Legal Fees

Our employment law attorneys will work with you to discuss what is feasible and advisable in your situation.

What are my chances of getting a better severance package?

In practice, in the vast majority of cases, we are able to secure a higher severance package or better terms than the initial offer. Employers often have an interest in reaching an agreement quickly and have little incentive to initiate legal proceedings, which creates room for negotiation. Especially when the grounds for termination are questionable or the employee has been with the company for a long time, there is often significant room for negotiation.

How much does it cost for you to negotiate on my behalf?

For negotiations regarding a settlement agreement, we charge a starting fee of €1,000, excluding VAT. This amount depends on the complexity of your situation and the expected time required. We’ll establish clear pricing agreements upfront so you know exactly what to expect. There is often also room to agree on a fixed price. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Will my employer reimburse the costs of legal assistance?

In more than 90% of cases, the employer covers the legal fees. We’ll also address this issue during negotiations so that you won’t have to pay the costs yourself. If we’re successful, we’ll bill your employer directly for the costs.

What happens after I submit my settlement agreement?

As soon as you upload your settlement agreement, we’ll get started right away.

• Analysis: We conduct a legal analysis of the agreement and assess where there is room for negotiation.
• Consultation: We’ll go over everything with you from A to Z, including risks and opportunities.
• Strategy: Together, we’ll determine the negotiation strategy, tailored to your needs.
• Negotiation: Our attorney will enter into negotiations with the employer or the employer’s legal counsel or attorney.
• Result: We strive for the best possible outcome and guide you through the process until the final signing.

How soon can you start negotiating?

In urgent situations, we can often get started within 24 hours. Termination processes are often time-sensitive, so we act quickly and decisively. Please submit your agreement as soon as possible, and we’ll contact you right away.

Can I also get legal assistance if I don’t want to agree to the settlement agreement?

Absolutely. If you’d rather remain employed and want to challenge the termination, we’ll stand by your side. We’ll assess whether the termination is legally valid and advise you on how to defend yourself or explore alternative solutions. In some cases, we can prevent the employment relationship from ending—or even secure better terms for you.

What if I’ve already agreed, but I’ve changed my mind?

If you signed the agreement recently, you may still be entitled to a cooling-off period. You can revoke your consent within 14 days (in some cases, even within 21 days). Please contact us immediately if this applies to you, and we’ll see what options are still available.

Is negotiation still necessary even if the severance offer seems reasonable?

Yes, even if the offer seems reasonable at first glance, it’s almost always worth having it reviewed and, if necessary, revised. Employers often leave some wiggle room in their initial offer. We take a critical look to ensure the offer is legally sound and to see if there’s room for improvement. With effective negotiation, you can quickly secure many thousands of euros in additional severance pay.

Is my right to unemployment benefits at risk if I delay negotiations?

No, as long as the settlement agreement is drafted correctly, you will retain your right to unemployment benefits. We ensure that the terms and wording are in line with the UWV’s requirements, so that your right to benefits is preserved. This is also an important part of the legal review and negotiation process.

What if my employer refuses to negotiate?

In some cases, an employer may be adamant, but there is often still room for negotiation. We can apply professional pressure and point out risks and alternatives to the employer. We can also mount a legal defense or initiate legal proceedings if necessary. Our intervention often results in a more favorable settlement.

What is the difference between negotiating on your own and hiring a lawyer?

Negotiating on your own may seem like a way to save money, but it comes with risks. You often lack legal knowledge, an understanding of what is in line with market standards, and bargaining power. An employment law attorney knows exactly what to look out for and how employers think. This allows you to get more out of your settlement and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your unemployment benefits or rights. Furthermore, the costs are often reimbursed by the employer.