Most stock options expire within a few months after separation. And, if the present valuation is high, the one separated will have to come up with the cash to b

Most stock options expire within a few months after separation. And, if the present valuation is high, the one separated will have to come up with the cash to buy the options and pay the alternative minimum tax. If the company is private and uncooperative, they can sometimes effectively prevent you from exercising your vested options.