MadyHR.ai Free Resources · USA

Free At-Will Employment Acknowledgment Form

At-will employment means either the employer or the employee can end the job at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without notice. This one-page form records that the employee understands this.

Download free (Word .docx) Free · No sign-up · Opens in Microsoft Word and Google Docs · Last reviewed October 2026

Important: please read

This template is a free starting point, not legal advice. MadyHR.ai is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Employment law is different in every state, and some cities have their own rules. Laws also change. Before you use this template, check it against the laws where your employees work, and speak to an employment attorney or your state labor department if you are unsure. You use this template at your own risk, and MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for how it is used. Links to official government websites are given for information only; MadyHR.ai is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

When to use this template

Every new hire, with the offer letter or handbook
When you introduce a handbook for the first time

Tips before you use it

At-will employment never allows firing for an unlawful reason, such as discrimination or retaliation.
Montana is not an at-will state after a probationary period — do not use this form there without legal advice.
Make sure nothing else you give employees (offer letters, handbooks, emails) promises job security.

Rules in your state may differ. Federal law sets the minimum. Your state — and sometimes your city or county — may add extra rules on this topic. Check with your state labor department before you use this template. Find your state labor office (U.S. Department of Labor)

Template preview

Replace everything in [brackets] and delete the notes for employers before you use it. The Word download contains the full template.

[Company Name]

At-Will Employment Acknowledgment

I understand that my employment with [Company Name] is at-will. This means that I may resign at any time, for any reason, with or without notice, and that [Company Name] may end my employment at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without cause or notice.

I understand that no manager, supervisor or other representative of [Company Name] has the authority to make any agreement for employment for a specific period of time, or to make any promise contrary to this acknowledgment, except [Title of Authorized Officer] in a written agreement signed by both of us.

I understand that nothing in any offer letter, handbook, policy or other document creates a contract of employment for any specific period.

Employee name: [Employee Name]

Signature

Date

For [Company Name]

Signature

Date

Note for employer (delete before use): Do not use this form for employees in Montana without legal advice.

Download free (Word .docx)

Frequently asked questions

Is every US state at-will?

At-will employment is the default in every state except Montana, where the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act limits terminations after a probationary period. Many states also recognize exceptions, such as public policy exceptions.

Can an at-will employee be fired for any reason?

No. An at-will employee can be let go for any lawful reason, but not for an illegal reason such as discrimination, retaliation for reporting a problem, or taking protected leave.

Official sources

Each source below is an official U.S. government website. Check them for the latest rules.

Related policies & handbook templates

See all Policies & Handbook templates · See all 41 free US HR templates