Letter for Paternity Leave

Many countries and states around the world have specific laws that govern and protect mothers in a work environment. One of the benefits of these laws is that many companies have specific policies pertaining to paid maternity leaves. On the other hand, fathers are usually ignored in these laws.

However, this has not stopped progressive firms from granting paternal leave to fathers who are having a child or adopting one. Currently, most of these leaves are unpaid and and usually not as long as maternal leaves. If you plan on taking advantage of your companies paternal leave rules then you will need to first send a paternal leave letter to the management. See the samples below to get some inspiration for your own application.

Tips on Writing a Paternity Leave Letter

Start with the facts (child birth/adoption) but no need to give additional details.
Give a clear time frame and dates for your absence.
Leave contact information for emergencies.
Delegate your tasks to a colleague or teammate.

Instructions

1

Sample of a Letter for Paternity Leave #1

To:
David Hendrick
Dean of Faculty
College of Arts
123 Education Lane
College Town, Iowa

From:
Nathan Smith
Professor of Economics

Date: January 12, 2010

Dear Prof. Hendrick,

After our conversation at the faculty meeting last week, I am writing to you today to formally request a paternity leave of 4 weeks. The expected delivery of my son is on January 20th and I will require days off starting January 15 to February 15.

I am finishing my classes for the semester within the next couple of days, and I'll be correcting papers and exams from home and will send out results from there. I can be contacted via phone or email any time in case the administration or students have questions.

Looking forward to a positive response,

Regards,

(Signature)
Nathan Smith
2

Paternity Leave Letter Sample #2

To
Natalie Gibbons
Project Manager
ABC Corporation
123 Big Company Ave.
London, UK

From
Gavin Davis
Project Coordinator

Date: September 5, 2000

Dear Ms. Gibbons,

As you know, my wife and I will be adopting our first child in the next week. In order to make the transition easier for my wife and child, I would like to request a 2 week paternity leave starting from September 15. I will be back in the office on September 30.

I will finish off all pending projects including the end of month report before I leave. However, an important report needs to be created for the finance department. I recommend that Francis Damon be assigned the task in my absence.

Thanks and regards,

(Signature)
Gavin Davis
3

Template of a Paternity Leave Letter

To
(Supervisor's name)
(Supervisor's job title)
(Full company name)
(Complete company address)

From
(Sender's full name)
(Sender's job title)

(Date)

Dear (Last name of receiver),

As per our discussion, I am formally requesting a (Leave duration) long paternity leave on account of the (Birth/Adoption) of my (Son/daughter/child/baby). I will need the time off to help my wife and take care of the newborn until things get settled.

If my leave is approved, I will be gone from (Start date) to (End date).

I have (Work status), and in my absence, (Colleague name) will be in charge of all tasks. Please coordinate with (him/her) and if any further assistance is required, I will be reachable via phone and e-mail.

Hope you will consider my request,

Regards,

(Signature)
(Full name)