Major Win for Single Parents in Spain: Same Paid Leave as Couples

Thu Jan 15 2026 13:19:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent ruling in Spain allows single parents to receive equal paid parental leave compared to couples, following a landmark constitutional decision.

In a groundbreaking decision, a Spanish court ruled that single parents are now entitled to the same amount of paid parental leave as couples. This change aims to eliminate discrimination against families with only one parent, facilitating better support for single-parent households.

In a significant ruling for single parents, a regional court in Spain has decided that solo parents are eligible for the same total amount of paid parental leave that couples enjoy. This change is a result of a constitutional court ruling last November which prohibited discrimination against children born into single-parent families.

The court in Murcia emphasized that the care needs of a newborn are consistent regardless of their family structure, thus allowing solo parents to apply for the full paid leave - totaling 32 weeks. Couples get 16 weeks each, which adds up to the same duration for those acting as both parents.

Legal experts think this decision will influence other courts across Spain to follow suit. The ruling has been celebrated by social rights officials as a victory for civil society after extensive advocacy for equal treatment in parental leave policies.