A.  This question is a good example of why the nanny contract is so important.  Without properly discussed and drafted terms, there may be questions surrounding how the nanny can quit or how the family can terminate the contract.  A properly drafted nanny contract will leave as little ambiguity as possible– this is especially true with regard to issues of ending the employment relationship.

Make sure your nanny contract includes a provision outlining how the nanny can quit without reason.  The provision should include how much notice the nanny will be required to give.

Furthermore, the nanny contract should outline the ability of either party to terminate “for cause.”  If something happens justifying an immediate end to the relationship, neither party should be tied down by formalities– this is to say, a properly drafted nanny contract will outline how much, if any, notice should be given if the nanny quits for cause, and, equally as important, what instances give rise to cause (i.e. “for cause” should be defined in your nanny contract and, to be safe, you should provide for as many examples as possible of events rising to the level of cause).