Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving South El Monte
Protecting South El Monte workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
Can I still fight for my severance if I already signed the agreement in South El Monte?
Signing a severance agreement does not automatically mean you lose your right to challenge it. Many agreements include a brief period, often seven days, during which you can change your mind and revoke your signature under federal law (29 U.S.C. § 626). Even if that period has passed, there are specific legal grounds, like fraud, duress, or misrepresentation, that might allow you to invalidate an agreement.
Where do I file an employment claim in Los Angeles County?
Most employment claims for incidents occurring in South El Monte are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, a case generally starts in the Pomona Courthouse South, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766. This is because Los Angeles County local rules (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024) direct personal injury cases, and by extension, many employment-related actions, to the judicial district where the incident happened.
How long do I have to make a claim about my employment contract or severance?
The deadline to pursue an employment-related claim depends on the specific legal issue. Most claims, such as those related to a breach of contract, must be filed within two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if your claim involves a public entity, like the City of South El Monte or a state agency, you must first present a written claim within six months of the incident as required by California Government Code § 911.2.
If you were a minor when the issue arose, the general rule is that the deadline is paused while you are under 18 (California Code of Civil Procedure § 352). This pause does not apply to claims against public entities, so a minor must still meet the six-month government claim deadline.
What should I do after a problem with my severance or employment contract?
Take immediate steps to protect your rights after an employment contract or severance issue. First, gather all relevant documents, including your employment contract, severance agreement, performance reviews, emails, and any other communications about your employment. Second, avoid signing anything new or making statements without understanding the full implications, especially if you feel pressured. Third, write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, and names of any witnesses. Finally, reach out to an attorney who focuses on employment law to discuss your situation and get advice tailored to your facts.
What kinds of cases fall under severance and contracts law?
Severance and contracts law covers many situations related to your employment agreements and how your job ends. This includes reviewing and negotiating severance packages, ensuring the terms are fair and comply with the law. We also help with employment contract disputes, such as issues with non-compete clauses, non-solicitation agreements, or breaches of contract terms. If you have questions about specific clauses in your agreement, like intellectual property rights or confidentiality, we can clarify those for you. We also assist with claims involving unpaid wages, commissions, or bonuses that are part of your contractual agreement. We focus on these specific employment areas across Los Angeles County, including helping individuals in Bellflower with their severance agreements and employees in Alhambra who have contract disputes. For a complete look at how we help employees in South El Monte, you can visit our employee rights page.
What happens when I work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a dedicated team that understands California employment law. We start by listening to your story and reviewing all your documents to assess your options. We explain your rights and obligations, ensuring you understand every step. We then negotiate on your behalf with your employer or their legal team, working to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Our goal is to make the legal process clear and straightforward for you. We concentrate on employment law exclusively. We handle employment contract and severance matters for individuals across Southern California, from South El Monte to Carson. We pursue the full compensation available under California law for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an employment contract?
An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms and conditions of employment, such as salary, duties, benefits, duration of employment, and conditions for termination. These contracts can be written, verbal, or implied, though written contracts offer the clearest terms for both parties.
Do all employees get severance pay in California?
No, California law does not generally require employers to provide severance pay, unless it is specified in an employment contract, a collective bargaining agreement, or the employer has a company policy of offering severance. Severance packages are often offered in exchange for an employee signing a release of claims against the company.
How is a lawsuit filed in the Pomona Courthouse South?
A lawsuit in the Pomona Courthouse South for an incident in South El Monte begins by filing a complaint with the court clerk. The complaint must detail the legal claims and the relief sought, and it must comply with California's rules of civil procedure. After filing, the defendant must be formally notified through a process called "service of process."
What is the deadline for a wrongful termination claim in South El Monte?
The deadline for a wrongful termination claim in South El Monte depends on the specific legal basis for the claim. Many claims, such as those related to breach of contract, generally fall under a two-year deadline as per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, claims alleging discrimination or harassment with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) typically have a shorter deadline. For specific guidance on your situation, confirm your facts with an attorney.
Casa Legal Los Angeles provides general legal information, not legal advice, and this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines have exceptions and must be confirmed with an attorney for your own facts.
If you have questions about your severance package or employment contract, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving South El Monte
Our attorneys represent clients throughout South El Monte and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a South El Monte claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in South El Monte is filed in Pomona Courthouse South, East District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in South El Monte
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in South El Monte (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).