Can an Unmarried Father Take Parental Leave Upon Childbirth in Ukraine?
Ukrainian laws stipulate the regulations regarding parental leave and define who is eligible to receive it.
Specifically, in cases of a child’s birth, a father—even if not officially married to the mother—can qualify for parental leave, provided certain conditions are met.
These include cohabitation, shared domestic life, and mutual responsibilities between the father and mother.
To qualify, the father’s claim must be supported by a formal statement from the mother and a birth certificate indicating the father’s details.
According to Ukrainian law, a one-time paid parental leave lasting up to 14 calendar days can be granted within three months of the child’s birth.
This provision allows modern fathers to actively participate in caring for their newborns and exercise their parental rights, even in situations where a formal marriage is absent, ensuring legal recognition and support for their role in early childcare.