Parents who adopt are also entitled to parental leave. Leave under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 is unpaid. However, your employment contract may provide for paid leave. You can take up to 52 weeks. This includes 14 weeks maternity leave.
Partners can take up to two weeks paternity leave around the time of the birth.
They can also share the 52 weeks extended parental leave with the mother. Both partners can take this leave at the same time or one after the other provided that the total period taken by both partners does not add up to more than 52 weeks. Maternity leave usually starts from the expected date of delivery. However, you can start maternity leave six weeks before that date. You can do so if you have asked to, or if your medical practitioner recommends it.