Office Relationship Contract
("Love Contract")

Summary

This template is an Office Relationship Contract (also known as a Love Contract) for use by an employer that allows romantic relationships at work. It contains practical guidance, drafting notes, alternate clauses, and optional clauses. This template is intended for private employers. It is based on federal law and does not address all potential state law distinctions; thus, you should check any relevant state and local laws. The Office Relationship Contract should acknowledge the consensual basis of a relationship between employees and document the main ground rules associated with the employees' office relationship. This type of office relationship contract can help employers potentially avoid liability for possible sexual harassment claims after the employees' relationship ends. For information on office relationship and non-fraternization contracts and policies, see Office Relationship / Fraternization Policy, Office Relationship / Fraternization Policies: Key Drafting Tips, Office Relationship Contracts: Drafting "Love Contracts", Office Relationship Contract Notice to Supervisor, Brightmine HR & Compliance Center Policies and Procedures 5929 (Employee Dating and Personal Relationships Policy), and Sex Discrimination & Sexual Harassment § 16.11. For detailed information on sexual harassment and other hostile work environment claims and prevention, see Harassment Claim Prevention and Defense and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Checklist. Also see Faragher-Ellerth Provision for Summary Judgment Brief, Complaint Procedure, and Anti-harassment Policy (with Acknowledgment). For state-specific anti-harassment and office relationship policies and templates, see Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation State Expert Forms and Checklists Chart and Employment Policies State Expert Forms and Checklists Chart.