A California-compliant separation agreement (also commonly referred to as a severance agreement) between an employer and a departing employee specifying terms of the employee's separation from employment, including a release of legal claims against the employer in exchange for a benefit. This Standard Document is based on California law and addresses the law in key local jurisdictions. Other local laws may impose additional or different requirements. For information on the scope of local law coverage, see Local Law Coverage in Labor & Employment Resources. This Standard Document is intended for use by private employers with their non-unionized employees located in California and is drafted in favor of the employer. It has integrated notes with important explanations and drafting tips.