Bereaved Partner Paternity Leave Notice Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to notify employer of right to bereaved partner paternity leave, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong bereaved partner paternity leave notice should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the expected start date and duration of leave
• Request written confirmation

What bereaved partner paternity leave covers

If your child's mother (or the main adopter) died on or after 6 April 2026, and you are an employee in England, Scotland or Wales with the main caring responsibility for your child, you can take up to 52 weeks of unpaid Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave, which must end by your child's first birthday. It is unpaid time off to look after your child, and you can take it before or after other parental leave you are eligible for.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of the circumstances and the date of your partner's death
• A clear statement that you're taking Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave
• The dates you intend to take this leave
• A request for confirmation of your entitlement and pay arrangements in writing

Why this needs handling carefully with your employer

This is a complex, sensitive entitlement that many employers and even HR teams may not have dealt with before, so it's worth being clear and specific about exactly what you're asking for and, where helpful, referencing the relevant statutory provisions directly rather than assuming your employer already understands the detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply if we weren't married?
Entitlement generally depends on your relationship to the child and your role in their care, rather than marital status alone, though it's worth confirming your specific circumstances qualify.

What if my partner hadn't yet given birth?
Different provisions may apply depending on the exact timing and circumstances — it's worth seeking specific guidance given how sensitive and case-specific this situation is.

[Your Name]
[Your Address, e.g. 45 Oak Lane, Leeds, LS2 9AB]
[Recipient Name or Job Title, e.g. Line Manager / HR Director]
[Employer Name, e.g. Acme Retail Ltd]
[Employer Address, e.g. 1 Commerce Way, Leeds, LS1 1AA]
[Date, e.g. 19 October 2026]

Dear [Name, e.g. Mr Smith],

Subject: Notice of Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave

I am writing to give formal notice that I will be taking Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave.

[Our child's mother / Our child's main adopter], sadly died on [Date of death, e.g. 12 October 2026]. I now have the main responsibility for caring for our child.

My leave details are as follows:
• Date of child's birth [or adoption placement]: [Date, e.g. 1 August 2026]
• Intended start date of leave: [Date, e.g. 26 October 2026]
• Intended end date of leave: [Date - the leave can be up to 52 weeks and must end by your child's first birthday]

I understand this leave is unpaid. Please confirm my leave in writing, and the arrangements for my return to work.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave applies in England, Scotland and Wales where the child's mother or main adopter died on or after 6 April 2026.]