Add Comment Question: My spouse has worked for me since 1996. I have sold my business and my spouse has signed a 3 year employment contact with purchasers at a $14,500 drop in annual salary. He is 62 and I have no other employees. Can I pay him a severance? If so, what is the optimum amount? Answer: Hi. I am not sure I understand the question. You do not have the legal obligation to pay any severance in this case, because he accepted a position with the buyer. Despite this, if you still want to pay severance, then you can pay whatever you want. Please feel free to call me and discuss. Lior Samfiru Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.