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The term "good cause" refers to a legitimate and legally acceptable reason for taking a specific action in a legal context. Its definition can vary depending on the area of law. For instance, in employment law, good cause might be defined as a reason that would reasonably compel an average, able-bodied worker to resign from their job. In landlord-tenant law, good cause could include reasons such as failure to pay rent, which may justify eviction proceedings.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Good cause is commonly used in various legal practices, including:
Employment Law: It can justify termination or resignation.
Landlord-Tenant Law: It may support eviction actions.
Family Law: It can be relevant in custody disputes or divorce proceedings.
Users can often manage these issues themselves using legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which are drafted by experienced attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples of good cause:
Employment Example: An employee resigns due to unsafe working conditions, which would be considered good cause.
Landlord-Tenant Example: A landlord initiates eviction due to a tenant's consistent failure to pay rent, qualifying as good cause.
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Good Cause Definition
California
Good cause for eviction includes failure to pay rent or breach of lease terms.
New York
Good cause is often tied to tenant behavior and lease compliance.
Texas
Good cause can include non-payment of rent or significant lease violations.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Just Cause
A reason that is legally sufficient to justify termination or other actions, often more stringent than good cause.
Probable Cause
A reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed, used primarily in criminal law.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe you have a good cause for a legal action, consider the following steps:
Document your reasons clearly and gather any supporting evidence.
Consult legal resources or templates available through US Legal Forms to understand your options.
If the situation is complex, seek advice from a legal professional to ensure your rights are protected.
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