{"id":395186,"date":"2026-04-13T08:41:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=395186"},"modified":"2026-04-13T09:28:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:28:25","slug":"how-to-write-a-termination-letter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/how-to-write-a-termination-letter.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Write a Termination Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Write a Termination Letter<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

To write an employee termination letter, state the employee\u2019s name and contact information, job title, date of termination, and specific reason for termination of employment, use a professional tone, outline final paycheck, severance, and benefits details, reference relevant company policies or performance documentation, and provide instructions for the return of company property.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n What To Expect in This Article\n <\/h2>\n
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This article explains what termination letters are, when termination letters are important, what you should include in a termination letter, and how to customize your own using FindLaw\u2019s free termination letter template.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n Jump to Termination Letter Template<\/span>\n <\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Many businesses have a human resources<\/span> department or HR professionals<\/span> that handle their company\u2019s termination process<\/span><\/a>. Whether you\u2019re an established business owner or an entrepreneur who is just getting started, follow this step-by-step guide<\/span> to learn what termination letters<\/span> are used for, what they should include, and how to make your own with our free template<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Letter of Termination?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A notice of termination, also called a termination letter, is a formal document typically used by employers to let go of employees. A termination notice letter is commonly used in the following situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n