Understanding paternity leave laws is important so that fathers can focus on helping their wives and caring for their child without the fear of losing their jobs. The FMLA governs leave duration, eligibility, and payment, which can affect new parents' ability to balance work and family.
Different states have their own paid family leave programs. For example, California's paternity leave law is one of the most progressive in the country. Fathers in California can receive up to eight weeks of partial wage replacement to bond with their newborns under the Paid Family Leave (PFL) program.
The state of California believes that paternity leave benefits go beyond legality. According to research, fathers who regularly bond with their children improve their child's well-being. Workplaces that support paternity leave have higher employee satisfaction, retention, and inclusion.
Let’s look at paternity leave laws in different states in the US.