How to Ask for Paternity Leave

Do your research and develop a plan before you discuss paternity leave with your employer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine whether your company is covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which applies to companies with more than 50 employees. These companies are required to allow any employee who has worked there longer than one year to take up to 12 unpaid weeks of leave for the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a sick family member.

2. If your company does not fall under the FMLA, find out its policy by reading the employee handbook, talking to fellow workers and consulting the benefits or human services coordinator. Some companies offer six weeks of paid leave.

3. Decide how much time you would like to take and whether you will be taking vacation time, personal time, unpaid leave or a combination.

4. Present this plan to your employer in an organized fashion.

5. Make sure you let your employer know at least 30 days in advance that you will be taking the time off. Try to give more notice if you can.

6. Expect your employer and some co-workers to not understand your desire to take paternity leave.

7. Make the transition easy for your employer by being cooperative with those who will cover your responsibilities while you are away.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you are taking time off to focus on the new member of your family. Try not to worry about work while you are away, and instead enjoy the unmatched thrills of fatherhood.
• Remember that you will not be paid while you are gone, so budget accordingly.

Who Can Help:

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on 11/22/2005 If you live in California, you are probably eligible for the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program. In this program, the State will pay a portion of your earnings for 6 weeks while you spend time with your new child. Enrolling in this taxpayer sponsored program will not cost your employer money. Go to www.edd.ca.gov for more information.