[ME] What can I do if I was given termination papers for 90 days despite my contract requiring a 180-day notice?
October 14, 2025
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Based on what you’ve shared, you have a strong contractual argument.
Your contract expressly requires 180 days’ notice prior to separation, and you were only given 90 days. There are no clauses allowing for a shorter notice, and the fact that your employer offered your job to someone else before terminating you could indicate bad faith.
Here’s how to proceed:
1. Gather Documentation
- Keep your full employment contract, termination letter, emails, and any communication about the hospital closing or your position. Save everything — even text messages.
2. Request a Meeting with HR
- Ask, in writing, for an explanation:
- “My contract specifies 180 days’ notice prior to separation. I have not agreed to modify my contract. Can you explain why the notice period has been shortened and confirm whether Northern Lights intends to honor the full 180 days?”
3. Protect Your Position
- Until clarified, assume your original contract terms are valid. You are entitled to:
- Work through the 180 days, or
- Receive pay in lieu of the remaining notice period.
4. If They Refuse
- You may have grounds for a breach of contract claim. Maine courts typically enforce clear, written employment terms — especially those regarding notice and pay.
Summary:
You are likely entitled to the remaining 90 days of pay and benefits. Ask for clarification in writing, and if they refuse, consider filing a breach of contract claim to recover compensation for the remaining period.
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I recently was given termination papers for 90 days, but my contract clearly states I am supposed to be given a 180-day notice.
I’m sorry to hear about your termination. Can you confirm if your contract specifies any consequences for not providing the full 180-day notice?
No, it does not.
Have you discussed this discrepancy with your employer or HR department to understand why they are only providing a 90-day notice instead of the 180 days stated in your contract?
No, I haven’t yet since my contract doesn’t allow for a shorter notice.
Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your termination notice issue.
Yes.
Hello, my name is Richard, and I’ve been a licensed attorney for over 25 years. I’ll do my best to assist you. Please note that this website is for informational purposes only — I cannot represent you or perform legal services on your behalf here.
What state are you in?
Maine.
Thank you. Have you received any verbal or written communication from your employer regarding the reasons for the shorter notice period? Are there any specific circumstances or events that led to your termination notice being issued? Do you have documentation confirming the 180-day notice requirement?
I work at a hospital in Pittsfield, Maine. I started working half-time at a hospital in Waterville, Maine in December, and the [REDACTED] Health system recently decided to close that hospital. I was supposed to return to Pittsfield full time. My contract says I have 180 days’ notice prior to separation. Before I was issued the notice, my partner — a full-time employee at [REDACTED] Hospital — was offered my job. Administration told him they would terminate me in exchange for his position.
Based on what you’ve shared, you have a strong contractual argument.
Your contract expressly requires 180 days’ notice prior to separation, and you were only given 90 days. There are no clauses allowing for a shorter notice, and the fact that your employer offered your job to someone else before terminating you could indicate bad faith.
Here’s how to proceed:
1. Gather Documentation
- Keep your full employment contract, termination letter, emails, and any communication about the hospital closing or your position. Save everything — even text messages.
2. Request a Meeting with HR
- Ask, in writing, for an explanation:
- “My contract specifies 180 days’ notice prior to separation. I have not agreed to modify my contract. Can you explain why the notice period has been shortened and confirm whether Northern Lights intends to honor the full 180 days?”
3. Protect Your Position
- Until clarified, assume your original contract terms are valid. You are entitled to:
- Work through the 180 days, or
- Receive pay in lieu of the remaining notice period.
4. If They Refuse
- You may have grounds for a breach of contract claim. Maine courts typically enforce clear, written employment terms — especially those regarding notice and pay.
Summary:
You are likely entitled to the remaining 90 days of pay and benefits. Ask for clarification in writing, and if they refuse, consider filing a breach of contract claim to recover compensation for the remaining period.
Thank you for your help.
