Key Point 8-22.01. Churches should consider using a severance agreement when a decision is made to dismiss an employee. Such agreements set forth the terms and conditions of an employee's separation. In most cases, the employer agrees to pay the employee a specified sum of money (often expressed in terms of so many weeks of pay) in exchange for the employee's consent to the termination of the employment relationship and a release of any legal claims against the employer. Such agreements should be drafted by an attorney to ensure enforceability.
The termination of an employee is often a traumatic event that can expose a church to litigation. This risk should be taken seriously, since such disputes are a common form of church litigation, and many church insurance policies contain no coverage for employment practices. If your church does not have employment practices coverage, you may ...
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