Not married, but wants FML

SMace

Father of unborn baby wants FML time to take mother to the doctor. They are not married. He is eligible for FML. Not sure of how NC defines legally married and my understanding is that common-law spouse does not qualify. My take is that he is not eligible. What sayeth O' wise forumites?

juju

I remember a post similar to this a while back. If they are not married I don't believe he has any entitlement to FML time to take the mother to the doctor. Even if they were married, this would be iffy. Of course he can take time after the birth.

Pearce

You may allow a policy that is more liberal than the requirements of the act; however, the FMLA Act would not cover time related to the domestic partner's office visits, delivery, or recoverly. FMLA would allow the employee up to 12 weeks for bonding with the child.

Nat

If I'm not mistaken, North Carolina doesn't recognize "common-law" marriages. So, if they are not legally married I would say no to FMLA before birth of baby. After baby is born then FMLA is in order.