Can a divorce in your past get you fired?
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Can a divorce in your past get you fired?
When I was in my early twenties I got divorced. It has been 7 years since this
happened, and I am not working at a nonprofit Christian school. I did not tell
my bosses when interviewing that I had a divorce in my past. If they find out,
can I be fired?
Asked on January 24, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Legally actionable discrimination is illegal. However, such discrimination must be based on a person's age, (over 40), gender, national origin, race, religion, disability and the like. Unfortunately, past or present marital status does not qualify. However, if such an action would violate any applicable union/collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, you may then have a claim. Otherwise, as an "at will" employee your employer can set the conditions of the worklace much as it sees fit. Accordingly, you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Yes, unfortunately you could be fired. Neither federal nor your state's law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis or marital--or previous or prior--marital status. That means that your employer could legally terminate you for this reason, since they may terminate employees for any reason not specifically prohibited by law.
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