Separating from an employer is often a pivotal moment in the life of an employee. If you are offered a severance package, then you should consider speaking with a Gainesville severance agreement lawyer. An attorney can help you identify problematic language in the agreement, develop strategies to improve the terms of the agreement, and correct any terms that may interfere with your legal rights in the future.
The lawyers at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC have decades of experience working with clients in employment law cases in which severance agreements play a major role. Individual employees should not underestimate the restrictions some severance agreements contain. We are here to help you as you undergo this separation from your employer.

Severance packages are fairly common in today’s world of business. In 2024, approximately fifty-eight percent of employers reported providing severance benefits over a twelve-month period. In November of 2025, the total number of employment separations stood at 5.1 million.
Severance packages often contain financial benefits to employees. Some of the positive aspects of severance agreements include letters of recommendation, benefit extensions, and monetary payments. Some severance agreements may contain non-compete agreements. Under these restrictive covenants, an employee may not work for businesses that compete with their former employer.
An employer may ask an employee to release all claims against the employer in exchange for the benefits of the severance package. Also, many severance agreements feature confidentiality agreements that are designed to protect the employer. Many employees offered severance packages are also asked to sign provisions stating that the employee will not disparage the employer or its employees, officers, and directors.
One of the primary benefits of retaining legal counsel when you are reviewing a severance package is the opportunity to negotiate with the employer for more equitable terms in the severance package. Specific provisions may be overly restrictive and limit the employee’s ability to work in the same geographic region as their former employer.
Also, contract language regarding material breach may be inserted into the severance agreement to provide greater legal protection for the employee. You can improve the terms of a severance agreement through measured, thoughtful negotiation with the employer. By enhancing specific provisions in a severance agreement, an employee can also feel more confident about continuing to receive their benefits in the future.
Gainesville is home to some large and influential employers, including ABB Motors & Mechanical, Amedisys Home Health, and Albert Manufacturing USA. If you are seeking legal assistance regarding a severance agreement in Gainesville, Texas, then you should hire a severance agreement lawyer. A skilled attorney can review separation terms, limit restrictive covenants, and help you understand the legal definitions contained in a severance agreement that can affect your future rights.
The team of well-educated lawyers at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC is involved in the Gainesville community and the surrounding areas. We understand the local courts and can use that knowledge to our clients’ interests in avoiding any missteps that might delay the legal process. We have served many clients in Gainesville and are ready to help you, too.

Texas law does not require employers to offer severance pay to employees. Neither state nor federal law requires employers to provide severance packages to employees. The employer has the voluntary right to offer an employee a severance package, and the severance agreement must be in writing and comply with Texas contract law.
Some red flags in a severance agreement include demands to sign the document immediately, non-disparagement clauses that favor the employer, restrictive non-compete clauses, confidentiality clauses, and release of claim clauses that contain excessive provisions that limit your rights. Also, unclear details regarding health benefits, commissions, bonuses, and severance pay are red flags to look for when scrutinizing a severance agreement.
You generally cannot file a claim if you accept and sign a severance agreement in Texas. If you accept a severance package and sign a corresponding release of claims, then you waive your right to sue an employer for employment claims such as age discrimination, sex discrimination, and wrongful termination. Some severance packages may also include provisions waiving the employee’s right to assert unpaid wages claims.
Items that can void a severance package include unconscionability, misrepresentation, duress, and fraud. Severance packages must adhere to contract law in Texas. A severance package is only enforceable if it is in writing. Also, a lack of consideration may also void a severance package under Texas law. If the severance agreement contains restrictive provisions, such as a non-compete clause, it may also be voided.
When you are searching for a severance agreement attorney in Texas, you want to make sure they are knowledgeable in Texas severance agreement law and have successfully represented clients in situations similar to yours. Clear communication with clients, courts, and other attorneys is a must. Check online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure to discuss fees and payment options at your first consultation.
We work with both employees and employers on severance agreement cases in Gainesville. Our team has years of experience helping workers and businesses in employment cases regarding severance agreements. Retaining legal counsel can help you protect your legal rights and help you understand every provision contained in any applicable severance agreement.
If you are searching for a Gainesville severance agreement attorney, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can review any employment agreements, severance agreements, and other documents pertaining to your potential claims. Our lawyers understand Texas severance agreement law, and our collective experience and knowledge can benefit you.