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Federal Law

FMLA: Your Right to Medical and Family Leave

Up to 12 weeks of protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year.

Eligibility: You must work for an employer with 50+ employees (within 75 miles), have worked there for 12+ months, and have 1,250+ hours in the past year.

Qualifying reasons: Your own serious health condition, caring for a spouse/child/parent with a serious health condition, birth and bonding with a new child, placement for adoption or foster care, and military family leave.

Your rights: Return to the same or equivalent position after leave, continued health insurance, protection from retaliation, and intermittent leave when medically necessary.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment law varies by jurisdiction. Consult an employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.