What is the difference between FMLA and CFRA?

FMLA is a federal law, while CFRA is a California law that often provides broader protections, including coverage for more family members and additional leave rights.

How much leave am I entitled to in California?

Eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of protected leave under FMLA and CFRA, and additional leave under Pregnancy Disability Leave depending on the circumstances.

Can my employer deny my request for family or medical leave?

If you meet eligibility requirements, your employer generally cannot deny protected leave.

Can I be fired for taking pregnancy or family leave?

No. Employers are prohibited from terminating or retaliating against employees for taking protected leave.

Do I get paid during FMLA or CFRA leave?

FMLA and CFRA provide unpaid leave, but employees may be eligible for paid benefits through California programs such as Paid Family Leave or State Disability Insurance.

What should I do if my employer violated my leave rights?

Document all communications, keep records of your leave request, and speak with an employment lawyer to understand your legal options.

Pregnancy & Family Leave Lawyer California

Pregnancy & Family Leave Lawyer in California (FMLA & CFRA)

Employees in California have important rights when it comes to pregnancy, medical needs, and caring for family members. If your employer denied your leave, interfered with your rights, or took action against you for taking time off, you may have a legal claim.

At Haulk & Herrera LLP, we represent employees across California in pregnancy and family leave matters, helping them understand their rights and take action when those rights are violated.

What Are FMLA and CFRA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provide eligible employees with protected, unpaid leave for specific medical and family-related reasons.

These laws allow employees to take time off while protecting their job and health benefits.

When Can You Take Protected Leave?

Employees may be eligible for protected leave for:

Pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery
Bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster care)
Caring for a seriously ill family member
Their own serious health condition

California law often provides broader protections than federal law, especially under CFRA.

Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) in California

In addition to FMLA and CFRA, California provides Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) for employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.

PDL may allow for additional leave beyond FMLA/CFRA, depending on your situation.

Common Violations of Pregnancy & Family Leave Laws

Employers may violate leave laws in several ways, including:

Denying valid leave requests
Interfering with your ability to take leave
Failing to reinstate you to your position after leave
Reducing pay, hours, or responsibilities after returning
Terminating employment due to pregnancy or leave
Retaliating against employees for requesting or taking leave

Your Rights as an Employee in California

Under California and federal law, you have the right to:

Take protected leave for qualifying reasons
Return to your same or a comparable position after leave
Maintain health benefits during leave (in many cases)
Be free from retaliation for exercising your rights

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your employer violated your leave rights, you may be entitled to recover:

Lost wages and future earnings
Loss of benefits
Emotional distress damages
Legal fees and costs
Additional penalties in certain cases

How Haulk & Herrera LLP Can Help

Our firm helps employees navigate pregnancy and family leave claims with care and clarity. We provide:

Evaluation of your leave eligibility and employer actions
Guidance on how to document violations
Representation in administrative claims and litigation
Strategic advocacy to protect your rights and recovery

We understand how personal these situations can be and are here to support you through every step.

Why Choose Haulk & Herrera LLP

COMMUNICATION

Bilingual support available (Spanish-speaking attorney)

EXPERIENCE

Focused experience in California employment law

ATTENTION

Personalized attention to each case

ADVOCACY

Strong advocacy in and out of court

FAQs

Speak With a California Pregnancy & Family Leave Lawyer

If your rights under FMLA, CFRA, or pregnancy leave laws have been violated, Haulk & Herrera LLP is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

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