{"id":4694,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employment-contract-law-firing-an-employee-with-a-contract.html"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T15:52:16","slug":"employment-contract-law-firing-an-employee-with-a-contract","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employment-contract-law-firing-an-employee-with-a-contract.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Fire Someone With an Employment Contract?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You Fire Someone With an Employment Contract?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

You can fire a worker who has an employment contract<\/span>, but the process is often more complex than terminating an at-will employee<\/span>. An employment contract<\/span> is a legally binding agreement that typically requires an employer to have good cause, such as proven misconduct or poor performance<\/span>, before termination. Failing to follow the contract’s specific terms can lead to a wrongful termination<\/span> lawsuit, making it critical to understand your legal obligations.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Firing an employee with an employment contract<\/span> is more complex than terminating an at-will employee<\/span>. Employers can terminate at-will employees<\/span><\/a> for almost any legal reason. At-will employees<\/span> also have the same freedom to leave their employment. Employment contracts<\/span>\u00a0can alter this relationship by specifying how and when an employer can terminate an employee.<\/p>\n

This article explores different types of employment contracts<\/span> and how they impact an employer’s ability to terminate an employee. If you\u2019re uncertain about letting someone go, consider consulting a local employment lawyer<\/a> to review employment contracts<\/span> and give guidance on legally firing employees<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is an Employment Contract<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

An employment contract<\/span> is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee defining the terms of employment. This agreement governs the employment relationship<\/span> and may include terms covering:<\/p>\n