The process of getting released from an employment contract is determined by the wording in your agreement. Some agreements include a specific expiration date that can be extended if both parties agree. Otherwise, the contract should include a clause that describes how either party may terminate the contract and what type of notice is required. Some contracts state that they are "at-will," meaning that the agreement is for an indefinite period of time and may be terminated at any time by either the employer or employee. State laws may modify this rule with restrictions. For example, California law includes exceptions to the at-will rule for contracts that require "good cause" termination, and Montana has completely eliminated the at-will rule.