CheckMySeverance

Severance & Employment Law Blog

Expert guides on severance pay, wrongful dismissal, and employment law in Canada and the US.

United States6 min read

How to Negotiate Severance in California

California employees have some of the strongest employment protections in the US. Learn how to leverage state law when negotiating your severance package.

April 12, 2026

General6 min read

Non-Compete Clauses in Severance Agreements: Are They Enforceable?

Many severance agreements include non-compete clauses. Here's how to evaluate whether they're enforceable in your state or province — and when to push back.

April 12, 2026

General6 min read

What Is a Good Severance Package? Industry Benchmarks Explained

A good severance package depends on your tenure, role, and jurisdiction. Here's what typical severance looks like — and when to know your offer falls short.

April 12, 2026

Canada2 min read

Is Severance Pay Taxable in Canada?

Yes — but how it's taxed depends on how it's structured. Retiring allowances, pay in lieu of notice, and salary continuance are all taxed differently in Canada.

April 12, 2026

General5 min read

How Long Do You Have to Negotiate Severance?

Most employees have more time than they think. Here's the signing deadline landscape in Canada and the US — and why rushing is almost always a mistake.

April 12, 2026

General5 min read

Is Hiring an Employment Lawyer Worth It for Severance?

Employment lawyers typically work on contingency for wrongful dismissal cases. Here's when legal representation is worth it — and when you can negotiate on your own.

April 12, 2026

Canada6 min read

Constructive Dismissal in Canada: Real Examples and What to Do

Constructive dismissal occurs when an employer makes your working conditions intolerable. Here are common examples and your legal options.

April 7, 2026

United States5 min read

Is Severance Pay Required in the US? What Federal Law Says

The US has no federal law requiring severance pay — but that doesn't mean you have no options. Here's what determines your severance entitlement after a US layoff.

April 7, 2026

United States2 min read

The WARN Act and Severance: What Employees Need to Know

The federal WARN Act requires 60 days notice for large layoffs — failure to comply can mean extra pay. Here's how it works and whether it applies to you.

April 7, 2026

Canada6 min read

Wrongful Dismissal vs Constructive Dismissal in Canada: What's the Difference?

Wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal are two distinct legal claims in Canada. Understanding the difference can significantly affect your severance entitlement.

April 4, 2026

Canada2 min read

How Much Reasonable Notice Are You Owed in Canada?

Reasonable notice in Canada is determined by the Bardal factors — age, tenure, role, and replaceability. Here's how courts calculate it and what you can expect.

April 4, 2026

Canada5 min read

Is Your Termination Clause Enforceable in Ontario?

Many Ontario employment contracts have termination clauses that courts have struck down. Here's how to tell if yours is enforceable — and what it means for your severance.

April 2, 2026

Canada5 min read

How to Negotiate Severance in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to negotiate a better severance package in Ontario — what to say, when to push back, and how to use your common law entitlement as leverage.

April 1, 2026

General3 min read

Before You Sign Your Severance Agreement: 7 Things to Check

Signing a severance agreement waives your legal rights. Before you sign, check these seven things — including whether your termination clause is enforceable.

March 31, 2026

Canada5 min read

How to Negotiate Severance in British Columbia

BC employees have strong common law protections. Learn how to negotiate your severance package under BC employment law — including what leverage you actually have.

March 30, 2026

Canada5 min read

The Bardal Factors: How Canadian Courts Calculate Severance

Canadian courts use the Bardal factors to determine reasonable notice periods. Understanding them is the first step to knowing if your severance offer is fair.

March 30, 2026

Canada5 min read

Severance Pay in Alberta: What You're Owed After a Layoff

Alberta severance entitlements under the Employment Standards Code and common law explained — with worked examples for different tenure levels.

March 30, 2026

Canada5 min read

How Severance Pay is Calculated in Ontario (ESA + Common Law)

Ontario severance pay has two components: ESA statutory minimums and common law reasonable notice. Most employees are entitled to far more than their employer offers.

March 26, 2026

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