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U.S. Department of Labor Seal U.S. Department of Labor

Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor

Reasons for Leave
Definition of a Qualifying Family Member

"Parent" has a specific definition under the FMLA. Parent means a biological, adoptive, step or foster father or mother, or any other individual who stood in loco parentis to the employee when the employee was a son or daughter as defined in the FMLA. This term does not include parents "in-law."

Does the parent in question meet the FMLA definition?

Return to Reasons for Leave.

For more information on this aspect of the FMLA, see the FMLA regulations: ยง 825.122

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR