Have you ever done it? Had it done to you? Been involved in a legal filing as a result of the firing? I’ve done all three. There absolutely is a “right way and a wrong way” . Sphinx laid it out pretty well.
I owned a hotel, so I've fired many people.
I was owed millions and was fired and had a five year law suit against the prick that fired me {I won, according to the judge and my lawyers}, so in answer to your questions, yes, yes, and yes.
When you are involved in a law suit, the only "winners" are the lawyers, and those bastards don't care about right or wrong, as long as they get paid.
Willy Shakespeare was right... KILL ALL THE LAWYERS.
You might better about yourself if you coddle someone that you fire, but they don't.
So tell me, Tim, what is the "right way" ?