ADEA & OWBPA: Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Older Workers Benefit Protection Act - Key federal laws that protect workers 40 and older, requiring specific provisions in severance agreements including mandatory review periods
Title VII Civil Rights Act: Federal law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin - must ensure severance agreement doesn't waive these rights improperly
ADA Compliance: Americans with Disabilities Act requirements must be considered in severance terms and release language
FLSA Considerations: Fair Labor Standards Act implications for wage payments, overtime calculations, and other compensation elements in severance package
WARN Act: Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requirements for mass layoffs or plant closings, affecting severance timing and terms
ERISA Compliance: Employee Retirement Income Security Act regulations affecting benefit plans and continuation of benefits in severance agreements
IRC Section 409A: Internal Revenue Code requirements for deferred compensation and timing of severance payments to avoid tax penalties
State Wage Laws: State-specific requirements for final wage payments, timing of severance payments, and related compensation issues
State Benefits Laws: State-specific requirements for continuation of health benefits and other benefit-related obligations
EEOC Guidelines: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines for proper release of discrimination claims and other employment rights
Release Requirements: Federal and state-specific requirements for valid release of claims, including consideration and revocation periods
Tax Withholding Rules: IRS and state requirements for tax withholding on severance payments and proper tax reporting
