How it works

Q: How long does the whole process take?

A solicitor usually reaches out within 2 hours of you sending your agreement. The solicitor stage depends on the complexity of your agreement and how quickly you want to move. Straightforward cases can be signed off within a few days, more complex or contested ones take longer.

Two steps, most of it done for you. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you send us your settlement agreement to the day it's signed.

1. Fill in the form

Fill in the form describing your situation, or email your agreement to hello@settlementagreementguide.co.uk if you've already received the written offer. This step is free and comes with no obligation. We don't contact your employer, and nothing you tell us goes anywhere without your permission.

2. A solicitor reaches out to discuss it

By law, a settlement agreement can't take effect unless you've received advice from a "relevant independent adviser". In practice, almost always a solicitor. An independent, SRA-regulated employment solicitor from our network will contact you directly, usually within 2 hours, to review the agreement properly, advise you on its terms, negotiate on your behalf if there's room to improve them, and sign the certificate that makes it legally binding. You're never obliged to use the solicitor who reaches out. You can use your own.

Your employer covers the cost

Almost every settlement agreement includes a fixed contribution from your employer towards your independent legal advice. Typically £350–£750 plus VAT. This is standard practice, not a favour: employers include it because the law requires you to take advice before the agreement is valid. That contribution covers the solicitor's fee, so there's normally nothing for you to pay. See how we're paid for the full picture, including how we're funded.

You decide, on your own terms

The solicitor will tell you plainly whether the offer looks fair, what you could realistically negotiate, and what happens if you don't sign. You're always free to negotiate, ask for more time, or walk away. The final decision is yours.

What we don't do

We don't review or comment on your agreement ourselves. We pass it straight to an independent solicitor, and we're not a law firm
We don't insist on a particular firm. You're always free to choose your own solicitor instead
We don't pressure you to sign anything, on any timescale
We don't contact your employer or HR without your say-so
We don't charge you a fee at any point in the process

Ready to find out what your agreement really means? Get free advice and help, or try the settlement agreement checker first if you'd like a quick sense-check. New here? See everything Settlement Agreement Guide offers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole process take?

Our initial plain-English review is usually done within one working day. The solicitor stage depends on the complexity of your agreement and how quickly you want to move. Straightforward cases can be signed off within a few days, more complex or contested ones take longer.

Will my employer find out I’ve contacted you?

No. We don’t contact your employer or anyone else without your explicit permission. Your initial review is completely confidential.

What if I decide not to go ahead?

That’s entirely your right. There’s no obligation at any stage, and you can stop the process at any time with no cost or consequence.