Sometimes a reader’s comment is so on target that it’s worth its own post.

Fellow attorney Michael Moore of Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP, in Lancaster, PA, sent me the following comment concerning my December 2, 2007, post “Response to Reader’s Questions Regarding Severance & Separation Agreements.”

Chuck:

The strength of a severance agreement containing a nondisclosure agreement and release is always a question that businesses raise with me too. To improve the businesses chances of not getting into litigation, I suggest that any severance payment be made over time rather than in a lump sum. That gives the business the opportunity to stop payment if there is a problem and the former employee is not likely to sue if he is still owed money. I try to spread the payments out past the limitations period of filing an EEOC complaint, if possible. Repaying the money if you sue would be great; however, the tender back of consideration is problematic under the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act provisions of the ADEA. Sometimes, I will allocate some money to the nondisclosure portion of the severance agreement and provide that it must be repaid as liquidated damages if there is a breach or suit is filed.

One of the biggest problems with litigating breaches of nondisclosure agreements is that it can place customers in the middle of a legal battle which is really bad for business. Businesses should know this risk is there.

Michel is right. An installment or spread payment schedule is one of the best ways to prevent and discourage a breach.