{"id":5784,"date":"2023-05-09T08:44:04","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T05:44:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/negotiate-my-settlement-agreement\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T12:52:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T09:52:31","slug":"negotiate-my-settlement-agreement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/for-whom\/employee\/negotiate-my-settlement-agreement\/","title":{"rendered":"Negotiate my settlement agreement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-the-catcher-circle-wrapper\"><div class=\"has-circle-position has-circle-position-right\"><div class=\"innerWraper\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-onderhandel-over-mijn-vaststellingsovereenkomst\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Negotiating a Settlement Agreement<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Negotiations regarding a <a href=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/definitie\/vaststellingsovereenkomst\/\">settlement agreement can <\/a>be emotionally charged and cause significant anxiety. It is therefore often wise to retain a lawyer who specializes in employment law. Arbeidsadvocaat.nl has extensive experience and expertise in negotiation processes. Your interests will be represented to the fullest extent possible. Arbeidsadvocaat.nl ensures that the settlement agreement is legally sound and that the most favorable possible outcome is achieved through negotiation.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once we receive your settlement agreement, we\u2019ll analyze it. We\u2019ll then go over the agreement together from start to finish, discuss the key points, and work with you to determine the negotiation strategy. Of course, it\u2019s also possible that you may not wish to accept the proposed settlement agreement and would prefer to remain employed. In that case as well, you can count on expert advice and assistance from Arbeidsadvocaat.nl.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arbeidsadvocaat.nl will negotiate a settlement agreement on your behalf starting at \u20ac1,000, excluding VAT. In more than 90% of cases, employers pay the full legal costs. This means that, as an employee, you often do not have to pay for the legal assistance yourself. Upload your settlement agreement below and provide your contact information.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-beige-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:3rem\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/step_icon02.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-691\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Step 1<br\/><strong>ENTER YOUR INFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:3rem\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/step_icon01.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-690\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Step 2<br\/><strong>: UPLOAD YOUR SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:3rem\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/step_icon04.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-693\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Step 3<br\/><strong>: Arbeidsadvocaat.nl will contact you within 24 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-contact-form-7-contact-form-selector\">\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f6790-o1\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"6790\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5784#wpcf7-f6790-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"6790\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.1.7\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f6790-o1\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_recaptcha_response\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><label> Name *<br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"text-306\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"text-306\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<\/label>\n<\/p>\n<p><label> Email address *<br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"email-604\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-email wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-email\" autocomplete=\"email\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"email\" name=\"email-604\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<\/label>\n<\/p>\n<p><label> Phone *<br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"tel-703\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"tel-703\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<\/label>\n<\/p>\n<p><label> Which package will you choose? *<br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"select-pakket\"><select class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-select wpcf7-validates-as-required\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" name=\"select-pakket\"><option value=\"\">Choose a package<\/option><option value=\"1. VSO Review for \u20ac500\">1. VSO Review for \u20ac500<\/option><option value=\"2. Review + Advice for \u20ac750\">2. Review + Advice for \u20ac750<\/option><option value=\"3. Negotiation starting at \u20ac1,000\">3. Negotiation starting at \u20ac1,000<\/option><option value=\"I\u2019m not sure yet\">I\u2019m not sure yet<\/option><\/select><\/span><br \/>\n<\/label>\n<\/p>\n<p><label> Additional Information<br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"textarea-882\"><textarea cols=\"40\" rows=\"1\" maxlength=\"2000\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-textarea\" aria-invalid=\"false\" name=\"textarea-882\"><\/textarea><\/span><br \/>\n<\/label>\n<\/p>\n<p><label> Upload File<br \/>\n<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"file-592\"><input size=\"40\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-file\" accept=\"image\/*,.txt,application\/pdf,.docx\" aria-invalid=\"false\" type=\"file\" name=\"file-592\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<\/label>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"acceptance-385\"><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-acceptance\"><span class=\"wpcf7-list-item\"><label><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"acceptance-385\" value=\"1\" aria-invalid=\"false\" \/><span class=\"wpcf7-list-item-label\">By submitting this form, you agree to our <a href=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/privacy-policy\/\">privacy policy<\/a>.<\/span><\/label><\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p><input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Send\" \/>\n<\/p><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-veelgestelde-vragen-over-eigenrisicodragers\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why should I have my settlement agreement negotiated on my behalf?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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\u2019ll be in a stronger position with someone by your side who knows the rules and professionally defends your interests.      <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can be negotiated in a settlement agreement?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s often more room to negotiate than you think. For example: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Amount of the Severance Pay \/ Transition Allowance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notice Period and End Date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continued Payment of Wages or Exemption from Work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment for vacation days, bonuses, or other compensation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removing or Limiting a Non-Competition or Non-Solicitation Clause<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recording of a positive evaluation and positive references<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reimbursement of Legal Fees  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our employment law attorneys will work with you to discuss what is feasible and advisable in your situation.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are my chances of getting a better severance package?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost for you to negotiate on my behalf?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For negotiations regarding a settlement agreement, we charge a starting fee of \u20ac1,000, excluding VAT. This amount depends on the complexity of your situation and the expected time required. We\u2019ll 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/contact\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/contact\">contact us for <\/a>a no-obligation consultation.    <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will my employer reimburse the costs of legal assistance?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In more than 90% of cases, the employer covers the legal fees. We\u2019ll also address this issue during negotiations so that you won\u2019t have to pay the costs yourself. If we\u2019re successful, we\u2019ll bill your employer directly for the costs.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens after I submit my settlement agreement?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As soon as you upload your settlement agreement, we&#8217;ll get started right away.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Analysis: We conduct a legal analysis of the agreement and assess where there is room for negotiation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consultation: We&#8217;ll go over everything with you from A to Z, including risks and opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategy: Together, we\u2019ll determine the negotiation strategy, tailored to your needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Negotiation: Our attorney will enter into negotiations with the employer or the employer\u2019s legal counsel or attorney.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Result: We strive for the best possible outcome and guide you through the process until the final signing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How soon can you start negotiating?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019ll contact you right away.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I also get legal assistance if I don&#8217;t want to agree to the settlement agreement?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely. If you\u2019d rather remain employed and want to challenge the termination, we\u2019ll stand by your side. We\u2019ll 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\u2014or even secure better terms for you.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I&#8217;ve already agreed, but I&#8217;ve changed my mind?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/contact\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/contact\">contact us<\/a> immediately if this applies to you, and we\u2019ll see what options are still available.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is negotiation still necessary even if the severance offer seems reasonable?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, even if the offer seems reasonable at first glance, it\u2019s 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\u2019s room for improvement. With effective negotiation, you can quickly secure many thousands of euros in additional severance pay.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is my right to unemployment benefits at risk if I delay negotiations?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s requirements, so that your right to benefits is preserved. This is also an important part of the legal review and negotiation process.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if my employer refuses to negotiate?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the difference between negotiating on your own and hiring a lawyer?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Step 1ENTER YOUR INFORMATION Step 2: UPLOAD YOUR SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Step 3: Arbeidsadvocaat.nl will contact you within 24 hours 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5723,"parent":5825,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"navigation_state":true,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5784","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5784"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5784\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5825"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arbeidsadvocaat.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}