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

Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor

Glossary of Terms Used in the FMLA

Spouse means a husband or wife as defined or recognized in the State where the individual was married and includes individuals in a same-sex marriage or common law marriage. Spouse also includes a husband or wife in a marriage that was validly entered into outside of the United States if the marriage could have been entered into in at least one State.

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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR