Everything you need to know about getting a Termination Letter over Goodlawyer.
- What is a Termination Letter?
- Pricing and Scope
- What is the Process?
- Why does my business need these documents?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Book your Termination Letter
What is a Termination Letter?
Termination Letters, also known as Pink Slips, are short documents that are given to employees who have been fired, laid off, or otherwise released from their employment. Small business owners use Termination Letters to finalize high-risk terminations that might result in legal action. While they are not legally required to complete a termination, they have become standard practice due to their extreme effectiveness at mitigating termination-related lawsuits. So long as the termination is legal and everything in the Termination Letter is accurate, it is unlikely further action can occur.
Pricing and Scope
Starting at $560 + Tax
Included
- Project kick-off call to gather information, advise you, and answer questions
- One customized Termination Letter
- One round of minor revisions if necessary
Not Included
- More than one version of the Termination Letter
- Termination Release Agreement in the event a termination includes severance pay
- Additional work or questions following the delivery of the Termination Letter
- Major revisions or rewriting of the Termination Letter throughout, or after the project
Your lawyer may recommend different or additional services, including a custom quote. Your approval for any additional work is always required and you will never be billed for services you didn't agree to.
What is the process?
- Book a call. Pick a time to discuss your Termination Letter with a Good Lawyer.
- Design your Letter. Help your lawyer understand the situation and the goals of your letter. Your lawyer will determine what wording you need in your Termination Letter and draft something tailored to your needs.
- Receive your Letter. You will receive a copy of the Termination Letter, ready to be printed or delivered.
Why book a Termination Letter?
Treat your employees right.
A Termination Letter is a respectful, standard way to provide an employee with everything they need to know about their termination and how to proceed with their lives.
Make it official.
Having a Termination Letter drafted will formally and officially note the reasons, date, and any other important details relevant to the termination for your company records.
Protect your business.
Drafting a strong, legally valid Termination Letter can significantly reduce the risk of a disgruntled employee attempting to sue your business after termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Goodlawyer Service Fee work?
Because we believe in transparent pricing, we make our best effort to be upfront about additional fees and how they are calculated.
Visit the Goodlawyer Service Fees page for a detailed explanation.
Do I need to physically deliver the letter?
No. Termination Letters can also be delivered digitally. Sometimes they are simply pasted into the body copy of an email, but more often they are attached as a PDF.
Are Termination Letters required by law?
No, Termination Letters are not required by law. They are extremely common because they reduce any ambiguity and provide an official record of the employee’s termination. While a Letter is not required by law, the cause and method of termination must adhere to employment laws. If you’re not sure whether or not you can legally terminate an employee, book an Advice Session with an Employment lawyer in your province.
What's the difference between Termination pay and Severance?
While the two are extremely similar on the surface, they are not the same. Severance is given to terminated employees who have earned seniority in the company and is intended to compensate them for the work they have performed over the years. Termination pay is given in lieu of advanced termination notice and is intended to aid the ex-employee while they search for new employment. There are several factors that affect the amount of Severance or Termination pay an employee is entitled to. Your lawyer will be able to help you determine what is owed based on your existing Employment Agreements and the cause for termination, although this could have additional costs.
Can I use a free template found on the internet?
Generic Termination Letters can work well if the employee is leaving on good terms and is unlikely to attempt a lawsuit, although it is imperative that even the most simple Termination Letter still adheres to your local and industry specific employment laws. Stronger Termination Letters (the kind that are drafted for you) are recommended in the case of a volatile termination that might result in a disgruntled employee pursuing legal action. The Termination Letter can be central in the court case, so we highly recommend having it drafted by a professional. Having a Letter that breaks the law could leave you severely exposed and liable for damages.
What if I need more than one Termination Letter?
This service will only cover the creation of one Termination Letter. If additional Termination Letters are needed, you can talk to your Good Lawyer. Sometimes it is more efficient to produce multiple letters and a discount is possible, but that is situational and Goodlawyer can’t guarantee any kind of bulk discount.
What file format will the Termination Letter be in?
Termination Letters are generally delivered as a PDF so that they can be easily shared, printed, and signed. They can also be delivered as a Word document. If that’s something you’re interested in, make sure you mention it to your lawyer.
Do I need a lawyer in my province?
Generally, yes. Employment law can vary between provinces and not all lawyers are familiar with the laws in each province. If the lawyer you matched with doesn’t feel confident writing your Termination Letter they will let you know and Goodlawyer will find another lawyer who can help you.
"Top notch service and value for small business's who can't have an in-house legal department. Highly recommend."
Brad, May 2021 — 5-Star Google Review
Have a clean break.
Book a Termination LetterYour lawyer will assess your situation and make sure this is the correct service for your needs. |