What is a settlement agreement?

A written agreement with which the employer and employee terminate the employment contract by mutual consent, including the terms of the dismissal.

Should I sign a settlement agreement?

No, you are never obliged to sign. Discuss the agreement first without obligation with an employment lawyer; the terms can often be improved.

Do I keep my right to unemployment benefit after a settlement agreement?

Only if the agreement is UWV-proof: a neutral termination at the initiative of the employer, no urgent reason, and the correct notice period.

Do I have a cooling-off period after signing?

Yes, you legally have 14 days to withdraw from the agreement without giving a reason.

Can I negotiate the fee?

Often, yes. In addition to the transition payment, there is frequently room for a higher termination payment.

Have your settlement agreement reviewed?

Q: Hoeveel kost juridische bijstand voor een vaststellingsovereenkomst?

You can contact us without any obligation to discuss your situation and the possibilities. In many cases, the costs of legal assistance are reimbursed by the employer.

Have your settlement agreement reviewed by a dismissal specialist before you sign. Better termination terms and/or a higher payment can often be achieved – contact our employment lawyers in Eindhoven without obligation to discuss the possibilities.

Discuss your settlement agreement without obligation with an employment lawyer.
We ensure your agreement is "WW-proof", so you retain your entitlement to a UWV benefit.
Negotiating better terms and a higher payment.

Discuss the possibilities

The settlement agreement, in brief

What is it? Termination of the employment contract by mutual agreement.
Obliged to sign? No, first discuss the agreement with an employment lawyer without obligation.
Keep unemployment benefit? Only if the agreement is "WW-proof"; we will assess this for you.
Reflection period? You have 14 days by law to cancel it.
Negotiate? A higher payment or better terms is often possible.
Do you need help? Get in touch with us with no obligation to discuss the possibilities.

Key provisions of a settlement agreement

A settlement agreement (vaststellingsovereenkomst), also called a termination agreement, is a legally permitted way to end the employment contract by "mutual consent". It is important that the agreement is "WW-proof" (i.e. ensures you qualify for a benefit), so you are eligible for a benefit from the UWV. The most important provisions are:

Initiative and reason for termination (at the employer's initiative, no urgent cause)
End date observing the (fictitious) notice period
The transition payment or a higher termination payment
Release from work and payment of accrued holiday days
Final discharge and a positive reference
A 14-day reflection period

Legal assistance with a settlement agreement

Depending on the actual reason the settlement agreement is being concluded, you may be able to negotiate the terms. Our employment lawyers know the legal landscape and often achieve more: a higher payment, a longer notice period or release from work.

We guide you from review to signing, so you can sign with peace of mind.

Schedule a no-obligation consultation

Legal assistance with a settlement agreement

Frequently asked questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about the settlement agreement.

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract that resolves a dispute between two or more parties. It typically involves a compromise where each party gives up some of their claims or demands in exchange for a final resolution of the matter. This agreement is often reached outside of court, avoiding the need for a lengthy and costly legal battle.

A written agreement between an employer and employee to terminate the employment contract by mutual consent, detailing the terms of separation.

Do I have to sign a settlement agreement?

No, you are never obliged to sign. Discuss the agreement with an employment lawyer first, without obligation, as the terms can often be improved.

Do I keep my right to unemployment benefit (WW)?

Only if the agreement is "WW-proof": a neutral termination on the employer's initiative, no urgent cause, and the correct notice period. We will check this for you.

Do I have a reflection period after signing?

Yes, you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period to cancel the agreement without giving a reason.

Can I negotiate the payment terms?

Often yes. In addition to the transition payment there is regularly room for a higher termination payment. Our lawyers negotiate on your behalf.

What is the cost of legal assistance for a settlement agreement?

You can contact us without obligation to discuss your situation and the possibilities. In many cases, the employer reimburses the cost of legal assistance.

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Have your settlement agreement reviewed?

The settlement agreement, in brief

Key provisions of a settlement agreement

Discuss your settlement agreement without obligation

Legal assistance with a settlement agreement

Frequently asked questions

Settlement agreement

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