Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving Temple City
Protecting Temple City workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
What if a Temple City employer offers a severance package that seems unfair?
An employer might offer you a severance package when your job ends, but you do not have to accept the first offer, especially if it seems too low or includes unreasonable demands. Severance agreements are contracts, and like any contract, they are open to negotiation. Your employer might try to include clauses that limit your future employment options or prevent you from pursuing valid claims you might have.
Where would I file a contract dispute in Temple City?
If you need to take legal action regarding a contract or severance dispute as a Temple City resident, your claim is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For employment matters within Temple City, cases are typically assigned to the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. This is because, in Los Angeles County, personal injury and similar civil cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and assigned to that district's specialized department, following LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases.
How much time do I have to dispute a contract or severance agreement?
The time you have to dispute a contract or severance agreement varies significantly depending on the nature of the claim. For many claims arising from employment, such as wrongful termination or breach of contract, the general deadline is two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, some claims, like those against a city or county agency, have a much shorter deadline, requiring a written claim to be presented within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). If you were injured due to a public entity's action or negligence, that six-month period applies. Deadlines have exceptions and must be confirmed with an attorney for your own facts. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
What should I do after receiving a severance agreement or facing a contract issue?
You should gather all relevant documents, including your employment contract, offer letters, performance reviews, and the proposed severance agreement. These papers tell the full story. Do not sign anything immediately; you have a right to review the document and seek legal counsel before agreeing to its terms. Document any conversations you have with your employer about your job ending or the contract terms. Write down dates, times, and who was present. Finally, talk to an attorney before making any decisions about your severance package or contract dispute. An attorney can review the document, explain your rights, and help you understand the long-term implications of signing.
What kinds of employment contract issues do we handle for Temple City workers?
We help workers in Temple City with various employment contract and severance issues. This includes reviewing severance agreements to ensure they are fair and do not waive away important rights. We also assist with disputes over employment contracts, such as disagreements about terms of employment, compensation, or non-compete clauses. If you believe your employer breached a contract, or if you are facing wrongful termination, we can help evaluate your options. Our work extends to protecting employees facing retaliation for reporting workplace issues, similar to cases handled by our retaliation attorneys in Temple City, and assisting executives with complex employment terms, much like our executive employment attorneys in Temple City. For a broader look at how we support employees, you can visit our employment law hub.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your story and reviewing all relevant documents. We explain the terms of your contract or severance agreement in plain language and identify potential issues. Our firm will then advise you on your legal options, whether that involves negotiation, filing a claim, or exploring other avenues. We pursue the full compensation available under California law for workers in Temple City and surrounding areas like Alhambra or Bellflower. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on moving forward. We also help people with leave and accommodations issues, similar to the work done by our Temple City leave and accommodations attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "at-will" employment, and how does it affect severance in Temple City?
"At-will" employment means that an employer can terminate an employee for any reason, or no reason, as long as it's not an illegal one, and an employee can also leave their job at any time. This principle is codified in California Labor Code § 2922. However, even with at-will employment, an employer cannot fire you for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for protected activities, or in violation of a written or implied contract. Severance packages are not legally required for at-will employees in Temple City unless specified in an employment contract or company policy.
Can I negotiate the terms of a severance agreement in Temple City?
Yes, you can absolutely negotiate the terms of a severance agreement. Employers in Temple City often present an initial offer, but it is not usually a final one. You have the right to counter-propose, seeking better financial terms, an extended benefits period, or changes to restrictive clauses like non-disparagement or non-compete agreements. An attorney can help you identify areas for negotiation and advocate on your behalf to secure better terms.
What if my employer in Temple City offers me a severance agreement that includes a waiver of claims?
Severance agreements often include a "waiver of claims," which means you agree not to sue your employer for certain issues in exchange for the severance. You must understand exactly what rights you are giving up. Sometimes, a waiver might prevent you from pursuing a valid claim for wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid wages. You must review these waivers carefully, ideally with an attorney, before signing.
How does a contract dispute typically get resolved in Los Angeles County?
A contract dispute in Los Angeles County can be resolved in several ways, often starting with negotiation between the parties. If that fails, mediation or arbitration might be used, where a neutral third party helps facilitate a resolution outside of court. If these methods are unsuccessful, a lawsuit might be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, such as the Pasadena Courthouse. The court process involves discovery, motions, and potentially a trial, though many cases settle before reaching that stage.
If you are facing a severance offer or contract dispute in Temple City, call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a conversation about your options. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Temple City
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Temple City and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Temple City claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Temple City is filed in Pasadena Courthouse, Northeast 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 Temple City
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Temple City (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).