Balancing work with family responsibilities can be overwhelming—especially when caring for a newborn, an adopted child, or a seriously ill loved one. Fortunately, employees in Hamilton Township are protected by the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), which offers job-protected leave in addition to federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage. If you need time off to be there for your family, knowing your rights under NJFLA is essential.

What Is the NJFLA?

The New Jersey Family Leave Act is a state law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 24-month period to:

  • Bond with a newborn, newly adopted, or newly placed foster child
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition

Unlike the federal FMLA, NJFLA does not cover an employee’s own medical condition—it is specifically designed to support family caregiving responsibilities.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for NJFLA, you must:

  • Work for an employer with 30 or more employees nationwide
  • Have worked for the employer for at least 12 months
  • Have worked at least 1,000 hours in the past 12 months

These protections apply to both public and private sector employees, including part-time workers who meet the hourly threshold.

How NJFLA and FMLA Work Together

It’s important to note that NJFLA and FMLA can run concurrently—or separately, depending on the situation. For example, you may use FMLA for your own serious illness and then use NJFLA to care for a family member. Understanding how the laws interact can help you maximize your job protection while managing personal and family needs.

Your Employer’s Responsibilities

Under NJFLA, employers must:

  • Provide written notice of employee rights
  • Reinstate employees to their former (or equivalent) position after leave
  • Maintain group health benefits during leave
  • Prohibit retaliation for requesting or taking leave

How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help

Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a premier employment law firm that helps workers in Hamilton Township understand and enforce their rights under NJFLA. Whether your employer has denied your leave, failed to reinstate your position, or retaliated against you, their legal team is prepared to hold them accountable.

They’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue compensation or reinstatement if your rights have been violated.

To protect your job while caring for your family, Hamilton Township Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are here to support you every step of the way.

Potential Remedies for NJFLA Violations

  • Reinstatement to your prior role
  • Compensation for lost wages and benefits
  • Emotional distress damages
  • Legal fees and court costs

Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Today

New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924

New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781

Family comes first—and the law is on your side. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation and let them help you navigate your family leave rights.