A short-form separation agreement, also known as a severance agreement, for use with a departing employee, including a general release of legal claims against the employer in exchange for severance pay or other benefits. This Standard Document is drafted as a letter agreement and intended for use by private companies with non-unionized, at-will employees. It is based on federal law. State and local law may impose different or additional requirements (see Employment Claims in Release Agreements: State Q&A Tool). For a more formal separation agreement, see Standard Document, Separation and Release of Claims Agreement (Long-Form). This Standard Document has integrated notes with important explanations and drafting tips.