Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Deed of release
What is a deed of release?
Have you been asked to sign a deed of release by your employer? A deed is a serious legal document that should impose obligations on both parties after an employee’s employment is terminated. The deed will typically include terms relating to the money or benefits passing under the deed, the release of all claims, confidentiality and non-disparagement.
As it is a legal document, there is usually a clause that requires an employee to have obtained legal advice so that they understand the effect of signing. There are other benefits to having a lawyer review the deed including determining whether the imposed obligations are reasonable and whether you are getting a good deal.
You do not have to sign a deed to get your statutory and contractual rights on termination, e.g. notice of termination and accrued leave. We make sure you are getting fair consideration for waiving your right to pursue any claims. We do this by assessing whether you have any claims available to you.
If you would like your deed reviewed you can upload your contract and deed here and we will be in touch with a fixed fee quote. We can typically turn our review around within 1 to 3 business days.
A deed of release is an important legal document that usually imposes three serious obligations on employees:
- To release the employer from all legal claims;
- To keep the matter confidential; and
- Not to say anything negative about your employer and its representatives.
You should only sign a deed of release if you completely understand its terms and their effect. Seeking legal advice is important to achieve this. If you are presented with a deed you should only sign it if the terms are right, the money is right and you are ready to settle the matter.
Most likely no - the majority of deeds will include a clause that releases your employer from any liability. However, you should seek legal advice to determine if the deed is valid and enforceable.
“ Genevieve, thanks for the advice, I’m very grateful for your thorough review of my circumstances and professional approach while covering the core aspects of my concerns I’d hoped to understand and within the short timeframe. The service you have provided is excellent.”
Systems Engineer
From Our Blog
Three Reasons To Sign A Deed Of Release
A deed of release is an important legal document that usually imposes three serious obligations on employees: to release the employer from all legal claims, to keep the matter confidential and not to say anything negative about your employer and its representatives.