NRR: Do I have to sign exit documents?

Don't sign it. They have to give you your final pay, and can't force you to accept new terms to your employment contract upon departure. If they were paying you a severance, then they could insist you sign something like this in exchange for that, but if you've simply resigned and will only be taking your final paycheck, you have no obligation to do anything like that.

I'm not a lawyer, but have a fair bit of experience dealing with HR issues as a manager. You might wish to consult a lawyer, as there may be something unsaid that could influence the situation. Perhaps due to your position in the company you owe some sort of duty to your present employer, either by law or per your employment contract.

I doubt they can make you sign it unless you are sticking around a while before your last day or they are giving you some other consideration.

However, you should understand that if you take trade secrets/customer lists, you could face monetary liability and/or a restraining order, even without a contract prohibiting this conduct. The Uniform Trade Secret Act, which has been adopted by most states, protects theft of trade secrets and I believe defines customer lists as a trade secret.

I just had this conversation with someone yesterday, who signed the document rather than fight for severance - although really they were laying her off.

You have no reason to sign, and (at least in California, and I assume most places in the US) they cannot withhold the pay you have earned.

Why would you, as a practical example, give up your right to earn referral fees by helping your former colleagues join you at your new employer?

Sounds like your lawyer spouse has it right.

If they withhold pay, they face a world of legal issues.

Have your wife draw up a contract requiring your company to pay for your legal defense in the event they sue you in the future plus a $100,000 bonus for the inconvenience such an action would cause you and agree to sign their paper if the president and CEO of the company will sign yours

Having worked for an NYSE-traded company and had to deal with their vicious attorneys later, my advice to you is

DO

NOT

SIGN.

Take your money, tell them to f*** off. If they try to restrict your last check and/or severance, have an attorney write them a strongly worded letter to DISGORGE (i love this word) your rightfully earned funds immediately or face legal consequences.

Jason