Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving Whittier
Protecting Whittier workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
Does California Law Require a Severance Package in Whittier?
California law does not generally require an employer to offer a severance package when an employee leaves a job. Severance is often a matter of company policy or a negotiated term in an employment contract. If you are in Whittier and your employer offers a severance agreement, you should have an attorney review it before signing.
What Kinds of Severance and Contract Issues Does This Cover?
This area of law covers your rights and obligations when an employment relationship ends or when a new one begins. When you receive a severance package offer in Whittier, it often comes with conditions, like waiving your right to sue the employer. We help employees understand these complex agreements, negotiate better terms, and ensure they are not giving up valuable legal claims without proper compensation. This also applies to other employment agreements like non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, and executive compensation contracts.
How Long Do You Have to Act on a Severance or Contract Claim?
The deadline to act on a severance or contract claim depends on the specific facts and the type of legal issue involved. For most claims relating to a contract, you generally have two years from the date of the breach to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 339). If your claim involves an injury to your person or property that might arise from employment, you usually have two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim is against a public entity like the City of Whittier or Los Angeles County, you must present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). 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 You Do if You Receive a Severance Agreement?
If your employer offers you a severance agreement, get legal advice before you sign anything. First, do not sign the document immediately; you generally have a few weeks to review it. Second, gather all relevant employment documents, including your original employment contract, performance reviews, and any disciplinary notices. Third, do not discuss the offer with your employer or coworkers until you have spoken with an attorney. Fourth, contact an attorney who understands severance agreements. An attorney can help you determine if the offer is fair, negotiate better terms, or identify any hidden clauses that might harm you. We assist workers in Whittier with these evaluations, ensuring their rights are protected.
Where Does a Severance or Contract Case From Whittier Get Filed?
A severance or contract case originating in Whittier is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case, or any civil claim arising from a workplace incident, 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). For Whittier, the appropriate courthouse is typically the Norwalk Courthouse, located at 12720 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650.
What Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles Involves
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means having an advocate on your side who understands California employment law. We begin by listening to your story and reviewing your employment documents and severance offer. Our firm focuses on employment law, including areas such as employee rights and wage and hour disputes. We explain your rights and options in plain language, helping you make informed decisions about your future. We will negotiate with your employer on your behalf, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for you. We pursue the full compensation available under California law. Our goal is to ensure you leave your job with a fair agreement and peace of mind. We also assist employees in nearby cities like Bellflower and Alhambra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a severance agreement?
A severance agreement is a contract between an employee and an employer that outlines the terms of an employment termination. It often includes a payment from the employer to the employee in exchange for the employee waiving their right to sue the employer for certain claims.
Do I have to sign a severance agreement?
No, you are not generally required to sign a severance agreement. Signing such an agreement is a choice, and you typically have a period of time to review it, often 21 or 45 days, to consult with an attorney.
What should I look for in an employment contract?
When reviewing an employment contract, pay close attention to compensation terms, job duties, termination clauses, confidentiality agreements, non-compete clauses, and intellectual property provisions. An attorney can help you identify terms that may be unfavorable or unclear.
Can I negotiate the terms of a severance package?
Yes, the terms of a severance package are often negotiable. With legal assistance, you can try to secure a higher severance pay, extended benefits, or changes to other restrictive clauses, especially if you have potential claims against your employer.
If you are facing a severance agreement or have questions about an employment contract in Whittier, call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either. This content is general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship.
Serving Whittier
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Whittier and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Whittier claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Whittier is filed in Norwalk Courthouse, Southeast 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 Whittier
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Whittier (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).