Whittier, CA asked in Employment Law for California

Q: Hello, are you legally obligated to write a resignation letter at the time of quitting a job/position if there

are no contracts or employee policy?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You have no legal obligation to sign anything upon your termination or resignation of employment, and frankly unless there are some unique circumstances, you should not do so.

Good luck to you.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, you are not legally obligated to provide a resignation letter or give notice when you decide to quit your job, especially if there are no specific terms outlined in an employment contract or company policy dictating otherwise. This is due to California's at-will employment laws, which allow both the employer and the employee to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without advance notice.

However, while not a legal requirement, providing notice can be a courteous and professional gesture. It allows your employer to prepare for your departure and start the process of finding a replacement. This can help maintain a positive relationship and might influence your chances of receiving a good reference for future job applications. Moreover, if you give at least 72 hours' notice, you are entitled to receive all your outstanding wages on your last day.

If your employment is governed by a contract, or if there are specific policies outlined in an employee handbook, you should adhere to those guidelines when resigning. It's always a good idea to review these documents and any other related policies your employer may have regarding resignation to ensure compliance and to understand any potential implications of your departure.

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