Generally speaking, upon termination your employer will set a deadline by which it would like you to sign a release. It is in your employer’s interest that you sign a release as soon as possible to protect it from potential legal action. If there is a tight timeline for you to accept your severance package and sign the Release, you should request an extension to allow you time to consult an employment lawyer to assist you with assessing your severance package. Remember that you are under no obligation to sign a release, and you should not do so until you have sought legal advice on your severance package to inform your decision on whether to accept or reject the severance package offered.