Leave of absence letter for family reasons (Samples)

In this guide we will discuss leave of absence letter for family reasons, considerations and scenarios where you could as for this type of leave, some letter templated and things to consider after you have requested the leave of absence.

Leave of absence letter for family reasons

You may be considering, “How is the best way to handle leave of absence letter for family reasons?” and how to write one? You could start with the request for leave indicating the start and date of your leave. Then you could provide a valid reason why you are questing the leave and then (if possible) provide the name of the person or people that will be covering you.

However, before asking for a leave of absence letter for family reasons consider if the period of time you will be requesting is longer than your usual holiday allowance or if there are any additional options you could take advantage of when asking for this type of leave (e.g. Compassionate leave, unpaid leave, etc). A different scenario to consider is the death of a family member, having to attend to the funeral since someone you loved has passed away.

Subsequently, it is recommended to have a plan B. On many occasions, at the worst case scenario, you will be forced into considering handing in your resignation letter as a last resort since when you are an employee and you have a contract, you need to avoid being absent without letting your employer know. This can carry disciplinary actions and even your dismissal.

NOTE: remember your employer is not obligated to grant the leave of absence letter for family reasons, and they may reject it even if you have submitted a formal application with plenty of time for consideration.

Sample 1:

“Your Name

Your Address

Your City, postal code

Your Phone Number

Date

Name

Title

Organization

Address

City, postal code

Dear Mr./Ms. [Lastname]:

I would like to formally request a two-month leave of absence for personal reasons. If possible, I would like the leave from work to begin on August 1, 2019, with a return date of October 1, 2019.

If approved, I will be staying with family in [Anycity] during this time period, and I would be glad to assist with any questions via email or phone whenever possible.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name”

Sample 2: (email)

“Subject: Leave of Absence Request—Michaela Fox

Dear John,

As we discussed, I am requesting a personal leave of absence from work for family reasons from January 15, 2020, through February 28, 2020.

If approved, I will return to the office on March 1, 2020. I’d be glad to assist with planning for covering my responsibilities when I am away.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Best,

Michaela”

Sample 3:

“Dear [Manager Name],

I would like to request for a leave of absence for family reasons. I plan to leave on [start date] and return on [return date].

During my absence, John will be covering for me. I spoke to him, and he is more than happy to assume my responsibilities during my absence.

Thank you very much for understanding.

Best Regards”

Sample 4:

This template adjusts to the scenario when you have to request leave of absence letter for family reasons to take care of a sick family member.

“Dear Mr/Mrs Last Name,

As you are aware, my (family member) is having some serious health issues. Although (she/he) has seen a number of different healthcare providers and endured numerous tests, (she/he) needs surgery. (Describe details of surgery). As you understand, this is a very tough time for our family, so I will need to request the full 12-week sick allowance available to me. 

My (family member’s) doctor has completed the request form which I received from HR. Please find the letter attached to the email. As I understand that my absence will be a hindrance, I am giving you a month’s notice in order for you to find a temporary replacement. My (family member’s) surgery is scheduled for (insert date) meaning that I am able to work until (insert date), to ensure that everything is in order before my departure.

I anticipate that my return date will be (insert date). While this is just an estimate, I do hope that I can return to work before this time.

I appreciate your understanding. 

Yours sincerely, 

(your signature)

Your Name”

Sample 5: (medical leave)

“Name of Employee

Address of Employee

City, postal code

DATE

Name of Employer or HR Manager

Name of Company

Address of Company

City, postal code

RE: Emergency Leave

Dear Name of Employer:

This letter is to inform you that I need to take emergency leave starting today. My daughter just called me to inform me that my wife collapsed in the grocery store and has been taken to Name of Hospital. I need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. I don’t as yet know if she is seriously ill, and will inform you as soon as I can.

I plan to return to work the day after tomorrow on DATE because I need a day to arrange for someone to come live in our home for a few days until my wife is discharged from the hospital. 

I have informed my colleagues of my situation and am assured that my work will not suffer during this time. I can be reached at Phone Number at any time if you have any questions or would like more information. I can also be reached at Email Address. 

Thank you for your consideration at this unsettling time. I look forward to receiving a positive response. 

Sincerely,

Signature of Employee

Printed Name of Employee

Cc: direct supervisor”

Sample 6:

“September 18 2014

Mrs. Cheryl Johnson HR Manager

Parkland County Mental Health Services

London UK NW80QE

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking emergency family leave immediately due to the recent heart attack of my father. I will need to assess my father’s condition and be there with my mother during this time. I am tentatively planning for a return date of a week from today September 25 2014. I will be in regular communication to let you know the status of my return. I have informed my clients and have arranged for a colleague to handle any emergencies while I am gone. I am confident that my clients are in good hands during my absence.

You can reach me while I am away at (123) 456-7890 or email me at Sierra@Lyons.com in the event of an emergency or serious question. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your consideration during this stressful time. I hope to return to work with a clearer head and better able to concentrate on my clients once I see to the family issues at hand.

I appreciate your time and will be eagerly awaiting your response.

Sincerely

Sierra Lyons

Case Manager

Parkland County Mental Health Services”

Things to remember…

• In addition to delivering the letter to your manager/supervisor/boss, remember to give a copy to your HR department since they will need this as evidence that you did the formal request and to add it to your personal records. They may also help you with your application and provide you the steps on how to proceed. 
• Review your letter before you print and deliver. Be sure you proofread your letter before you give it to your employer. This is to ensure you have the correct information with the correct start and end dates, avoiding any problems upon your return.
• Wait for it to be approved. You probably won’t hear right away about them accepting or rejecting your request. Try to avoid panicking, just give them some time to reach a decision before they actually get back to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References 

Doyle, A. (2020, Jan.) Leave of Absence Letter for Personal Reasons. Retrieved from Thebalancecareers.com.

Lettersandsamples.com: “Leave of Absence Letter For Family Reasons”.

Zambas, J. (2020, Feb.) How to Write a Leave of Absence Letter (With Samples). Retrieved from Careeraddict.com.

Bradley, A. (2020, Apr.) Writing a Request Letter for Family Emergency Leave (With sample). Retrieved from Requestletters.com.

Livecareer.co.uk: “Family Emergency Leave Letter Example”.