Custom legal document

Drafting a letter granting or denying parental leave

Have it drafted, amended, or reviewed by our legal experts and/or lawyers starting from 99
SME Lawyers

Don't take a gamble on this: holes in a self-made document have major consequences.
Have a lawyer review it and save yourself doubt, setbacks, and exorbitant costs.

  • Truly Tailor-Made Legal Solutions
  • Fixed rates
  • Pay later after draft
  • Free adjustment round
  • Delivered within 5 working days
  • Express delivery possible
  • Available in Dutch and English

How does it work?
Our services include a free consultation, a draft document, a revision round, and a final document. We invoice after sending the draft document.

Experience with legal services for entrepreneurs since 2001
Lawyers and legal professionals.Direct contact with a specialist who thinks practically.
Fixed rates.Where possible, clarity regarding costs in advance.
Within 4 hoursWe respond quickly to your request.
  • We worked for, among others:
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner

We worked for, among others:

An incorrect document often provides a false sense of security.
You think everything is taken care of, but only discover whether the document actually works during a conflict or claim.

1

Free intake

We discuss your company, the purpose of the document, and the key risks.

2

Draft or check

We draft a custom document or review your existing document legally.

3

Final version

You will receive a final version with instructions on correct usage.

Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Corporate Law
Attorney, 16 years of experience

A legal document must not only be legally correct. Above all, it must align with how the entrepreneur will actually use the document

  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Active since 2001
  • Affordable custom legal services
  • Always focused on practical use

Choose Tailored Legal Solutions

Choose whether you want to have the document drafted, checked, or modified. Prices and options vary per document.

From 99
Customization
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

from 99.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

About us

Our expertise

Our lawyers and in-house counsel specialize in drafting, reviewing, and amending legal documents and contracts. We look not only at the legal text but also at how you use the document in practice.

Custom solutions for your industry

Every business operates differently. That is why we take your industry, customers, working methods, and specific risks into account.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Fixed rates in advance
  • Tailored legal solutions for entrepreneurs
  • Thousands of agreements per year
  • Customization
  • About us
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

  • Our legal expert spends 0.5 to 1.5 hours on the check
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Checks on content, risks, and practical usability
  • Attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Concrete points for improvement and legal advice
  • Delivered within 3 working days, express delivery possible
from 99.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

  • Our legal expert spends 0.5 to 1.5 hours checking and making adjustments
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Verification of the existing document
  • Adaptation to your business and working methods
  • Suitable for new services, customers, or risks
  • Delivered within 5 working days, express delivery possible

About us

Our expertise

Our lawyers and in-house counsel specialize in drafting, reviewing, and amending legal documents and contracts. We look not only at the legal text but also at how you use the document in practice.

Custom solutions for your industry

Every business operates differently. That is why we take your industry, customers, working methods, and specific risks into account.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Fixed rates in advance
  • Tailored legal solutions for entrepreneurs
  • Thousands of agreements per year

Reviews (21)

Tijn

The speed of action pleasantly surprised us. Communication was always handled through a single point of contact, which prevented confusion. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Hanane

The consultation provided immediate clarity. We received an excellent explanation regarding the implications of applicable law in our international contracts. Everything was delivered neatly and on time.

Luca

The clear structure of the process was well communicated in advance. The service felt personal and reliable. Our clients respond positively to the clear general terms and conditions.

Victor

The first impression was simply excellent. Even outside regular hours, we received a quick response to an urgent question. A reliable partner that strives for perfection in their documents.

Jeroen

Excellent communication and a carefully drafted document. We received a clear explanation of the risks. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Maaike

The professionalism shines through from the very first moment. Clauses were added that protect us against risks we did not foresee ourselves. A reliable partner that strives for perfection in their documents.

Rayane

I am extremely pleased with the quick and adequate initial response. It is great that complex legal theories were explained with simple practical examples. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Yara

We received excellent assistance with our legal questions. The entire process felt like a co-creation rather than a one-sided assignment. A reliable partner who strives for perfection in their documents.

Ali

Good service and a clear working method. Ample time was taken to discuss the various options and their implications. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Marco

I couldn't see the wood for the trees, but the first meeting immediately provided clarity. The documents were neatly formatted and delivered directly in our house style. Everything was delivered properly and on time.

Sanne

It immediately felt like a partnership rather than a simple service. The risks we were willing to take were assessed strictly but fairly. Our business partners were impressed by the professionalism of the contracts.

Anne

We were looking for certainty and received it immediately in the first meeting. The fee structure was transparent, so we knew exactly where we stood during the process. A party that delivers on what it promises on its website.

Inge

We quickly received the right guidance in a legal landscape unfamiliar to us. Throughout the process, we were constantly kept well informed of the progress. The final result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Lisa

We were immediately reassured after a worrying situation. The rigorous review of the lease agreement protected us from unfavorable clauses. The final result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Noah

We immediately got the right expert on the line for our specific problem. Reviewing and editing our terms and conditions has significantly improved the quality. A reliable partner that strives for perfection in their documents.

Hajar

The lawyer's sharp questions immediately got us thinking. The draft was delivered faster than promised in the quotation. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Dylan

We immediately felt that we were in good hands. The coordination with our accountant went flawlessly and professionally. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Rob

No waiting times or endless menus; we got someone on the line immediately. The expertise regarding privacy and GDPR was clearly noticeable and up-to-date. The end result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Bilal

Our company's specific needs were listened to carefully beforehand. The document was clearly tailored to our working methods. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Roy

We quickly gained a clear picture of the possibilities. The contract was formulated in such a way that both parties felt good about it. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Salma

They immediately started thinking in terms of solutions rather than problems. It was clearly indicated what we needed to pay attention to. A party that delivers on what it promises on its website.

Meet our office

Our ContractCheck, simply explained what can all go wrong.

Why MKB Juristen?

Since 2001, we have been active as a no-nonsense legal firm for entrepreneurs. We quickly get to the heart of the matter: with a thorough assessment, clear answers, and a document that works practically.

  • Nationwide coverage
  • First consultation free and without obligation
  • Fixed rates where possible
  • Affordable legal advice from lawyers and legal experts
  • Always a response within 4 hours

First, see how we work

A legal document requires trust. You see immediately who we are, how we help entrepreneurs, and why we do not work with standard templates.

  • You can view our working method before submitting an application
  • You will get a feel for the office and the people faster
  • The video supports the choice for customized legal solutions
  • After that, you can immediately request a quote or intake

What you can expect from us

We translate your situation into a legal document that you can actually use. You won't receive a loose template, but a document tailored to your business, agreements, and risks.

  • A clear roadmap: intake, concept, revision round, and final version
  • Practical explanation on how to use the document
  • Legal attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Where possible, provide clarity in advance regarding price and delivery time
Are you unsure whether you should have the document drafted, checked, or amended?
During the initial consultation, we will determine the sensible course of action together. Afterward, you will know exactly where you stand.

Why customization?

A legal document only works well if it aligns with your business, agreements, risks, and industry. That is why we do not work with a standard generator, but with legal experts who assess your situation.

  • Prepared for your company
  • Telephone consultation included
  • No standard template
  • Review by legal specialists

What do you get?

You will receive a legal document that is practical and aligns with the agreements you wish to make.

  • Draft document or legal review
  • One adjustment round
  • Clear explanation where necessary
  • Fixed price where possible

The founders of MKB Juristen

Our organization consists of several small teams working within various legal fields. Each legal field has its own senior in-house counsel and/or lawyers.

Denian Wielhouwer

Corporate lawyer in corporate law & business expert

Denian Wielhouwer

Annelore Hendriks

Corporate lawyer, corporate law, administrative law

Annelore Hendriks

Ilja van Driel

Corporate law attorney, employment law

Ilja van Driel

Jaime Boogaers

Corporate law, ICT & privacy law, energy law attorney

Jaime Boogaers
Custom choices

Which choices determine the content?

Before drafting the letter, you make a number of substantive choices. These determine whether you grant, modify, or reject (the implementation), and how you justify your decision.

Choice or question Why this matters legally
Do you approve or reject the completion? You cannot refuse the right to parental leave itself; you can only change the desired arrangement under certain conditions due to a compelling business interest.
Is there a compelling business or service interest? You may adjust the distribution of hours only in the event of a demonstrably compelling interest; document this factually and concretely.
Which part has been paid? Determine which weeks fall under the (partially) paid benefit via the UWV and which part is unpaid, and what this means for the wages.
Does the leave overlap with other forms of leave? Align with any paternity leave, supplementary paternity leave, or care leave to avoid double counting or overlap.
Would you like to record agreements regarding return? Record how and when the employee returns to the previous scope and position after the leave ends.
Clauses and provisions

What elements belong in a letter granting or denying parental leave?

A good decision letter is concrete and verifiable. The following components ensure that both you and the employee know exactly what has been agreed upon and why.

Provision Relevant to Legal point of attention
Employee and child details Always State the employee's name, the child's date of birth or date of birth, and the relationship, so that the entitlement to leave is unambiguously established.
Request date and processing time Always Refer to the date of the request; the request is deemed to have been made at least two months prior to taking effect.
Decision: granting or rejecting Always Indicate unequivocally whether (the desired arrangement of) the leave is granted, modified, or denied.
Leave period and number of hours Upon award Record the start date, end date, total number of hours, and the distribution per week.
Paid and unpaid part Upon award Distinguish between the (partially) paid weeks via the UWV benefit and the unpaid portion, with consequences for the wage.
Justification for amendment or rejection In case of change or rejection Substantiate the compelling business or service interest concretely; a general reference is insufficient.
Consequences for employment conditions Recommended Describe the impact on pension accrual, vacation days, and any allowances during the leave period.
Signature and possibility of objection Always Sign on behalf of the employer and indicate how the employee can respond or enter into consultation.
Use in practice

How do you use this document correctly?

The letter is only valuable if you use it in a timely and correct manner. The steps below help you use the letter at the right time and in the right way.

Situation What should you do? Point of attention
Upon receipt of the request Assess the request and draft the decision letter within the time limit. The employee is entitled to timely clarity, and you prevent the leave from commencing automatically as requested.
In case of a desired change to the details Consult first and document the significant interest in writing. Consultation and justification are prerequisites for a legally valid adjustment of the distribution.
Upon award Calculate the paid and unpaid portions and confirm this in the letter. This way, you prevent ambiguity regarding wages, benefits, and processing in the payroll administration.
After shipping Keep the letter and the request in the personnel file. In a subsequent discussion, you can demonstrate that you made a careful and timely decision.
Common mistakes

Common mistakes

When handling parental leave, things often go wrong on a few recurring points. Avoid the following mistakes.

Wrong Consequence Better approach
Refusing the right to leave as a whole The rejection is invalid, and the employee can still take the leave. Acknowledge the right and limit your assessment to the desired allocation of the hours.
Fail to justify the change, or barely justify it The change does not hold up and you run the risk of a wage claim. Substantiate the substantial business interest concretely and factually in the letter.
Responding to the request too late The requested input takes effect automatically and you lose control. Decide in a timely manner and confirm this in writing within the applicable timeframe.
Confusing the paid and unpaid parts Incorrect salary payment and subsequent corrections. Clearly break down the leave weeks in advance and coordinate with payroll.
Do not draft a letter, arrange only verbally No evidence of the agreements during subsequent discussions. Record every decision in writing and keep it in the file.
Risk profile

What is your situation and what do you pay attention to?

The right approach depends on your situation. Below you will see common situations and what you should pay attention to in any case.

Risk profile Example Focus in the document
Request fits within the schedule The desired hours and distribution can be easily accommodated. Allocate and clearly record the period, hours, and the paid portion.
Request conflicts with business operations The desired spread poses a significant problem. Enter into consultation and carefully justify an alternative solution.
Multiple types of leave overlap Maternity leave, care leave, and parental leave overlap. Align the periods and hours to prevent double counting.
The employee disagrees with the decision A dispute over hours or wages is looming. Keep the letter and supporting documentation complete and seek legal advice in a timely manner.
Additional documents

When is this document not enough?

Sometimes there is more at play than just the decision regarding parental leave. In those cases, additional documentation or advice is advisable.

Situation Supplementary document Why
Situation Related document Explanation
The agreements regarding hours and position must be structurally recorded Employment contract Adjust the employment contract as well in the event of a permanent change in the scope of work.
The leave leads to a broader conflict regarding leave or wages Legal assistance In the event of an impending dispute, personal legal advice is wise.
You process personal data of employee and child Data Processing Agreement If this data is processed by an external party, document this in accordance with the GDPR.
Explanation of this document

Drafting a letter granting or denying parental leave, why?

Not every entrepreneur knows exactly what a letter granting or rejecting parental leave entails, when they are needed, and which risks they must cover. Therefore, we explain below what this document contains, what to look out for, and why customized legal advice is important.

What is a letter granting or denying parental leave?
A letter granting or denying parental leave is the employer's written response to an employee's request to take parental leave. Parental leave is a statutory right regulated in Section 5.2 of the Work and Care Act (WAZO). Employers are obliged to grant parental leave but have limited options to refuse the request or to change the timing and nature of the leave. The employer's letter records the decision in writing, confirms the start date and the number of leave hours, and sets out the manner in which the leave is taken. A correct letter is important for both parties: the employee knows where they stand, and the employer documents their decision in a way that protects them in the event of any subsequent disputes. Our lawyers draft legally correct letters of approval or rejection for employers that comply with WAZO requirements, protect the employer's interests in the event of scheduling changes, and eliminate the risks of an incorrect rejection.
What are employees' legal rights regarding parental leave?
Pursuant to the Work and Care Act (Wereld en zorg), every employee with a child under the age of eight is entitled to unpaid parental leave equivalent to twenty-six times their weekly working hours. An employee with a full-time employment of 40 hours per week is therefore entitled to 26 × 40 = 1,040 hours of parental leave. As of August 2, 2022, the WAZO has been amended: parents of children under one year of age are entitled to nine weeks of paid parental leave equal to 70% of the daily wage, paid by the UWV. The remaining seventeen weeks remain unpaid. The employee must notify the employer in writing of the leave no later than two months before the desired start date. In principle, the employer must grant the request. Our lawyers advise employers on the precise interpretation of these statutory rights and the limited grounds for modifying the request.
Can the employer refuse parental leave?
The employer's right to refuse a request for parental leave is very limited. The law stipulates that the employer may modify the request on the grounds of compelling business or service interests — but only for the portion of the leave relating to its distribution and arrangement, not for the leave itself. In other words: the employer cannot refuse the employee parental leave, but can sometimes adjust the timing or distribution. The compelling interest must be concrete and demonstrable — staff shortages, busy business periods, or the impossibility of finding a replacement may play a role but are by no means always sufficient. The employer must communicate their decision in writing and with proper justification. An incorrect refusal or modification can lead to a claim for performance by the employee and damages. Our lawyers assess whether your business interest justifies a refusal or modification and draft a letter of justification that stands up to judicial scrutiny.
What do you arrange in a parental leave grant letter? A parental leave grant letter contains at least the following elements: Confirmation that the request for parental leave has been received and granted. The start and end dates of the leave. The number of leave hours per week and the specific days or times when the leave will be taken. Confirmation of whether the leave is entirely unpaid or partially compensated via the UWV for the first nine weeks. Any agreements regarding the accrual of vacation days during the leave. The manner in which the employee transfers their duties to a replacement. And the date on which the employee confirms their return and the position they are returning to. Our lawyers will draft a grant letter for you that records all relevant agreements and serves as a file in the event of any subsequent amendment. How do you handle the situation if the employer wishes to deviate from the request?
If the employer wishes to grant leave in a manner other than that requested by the employee, he must communicate this in writing no later than four weeks after the notification by the employee, stating the reason. The employer may adjust the distribution of the leave if he has a compelling interest, but he cannot reduce the total amount of leave. If the employer does not respond within four weeks, the request is deemed granted in the manner desired by the employee. This is one of the most overlooked deadlines in employment law: employers who forget to respond in time are bound by the employee's leave schedule. Your letter of deviation must be specific regarding the compelling interest, offer the proposed alternative arrangement, and designate a time for consultation. Our lawyers will draft a timely and correct response letter for you.
How does it work at MKBjuristen?
After a brief intake regarding the employee's request, company planning, and any special circumstances, our lawyers will draft a letter of approval or refusal for parental leave that meets WAZO requirements, correctly justifies the decision, and is sent in a timely manner. We also advise you on the planning of the leave period, the replacement of the employee, and the return arrangement.
Are you unsure whether your document is legally correct? We would be happy to assess the sensible course of action: drafting, reviewing, or amending.
Request a quote

Why not use a standard document?

A standard document often seems like a quick solution, but usually does not fully align with your company, agreements, risks, and way of working. Our legal experts draft documents that fit your situation.

Standard document
SME Lawyers
Not tailored to your business
Tailored to your company, industry, and working methods
No control over your specific situation
Consultation with a lawyer and assessment of your risks
Possibly outdated or incomplete
Verification of current and practical provisions
No personal explanation
Explanation regarding the use of the document

A standard document seems cheap, until it doesn't fit your situation properly. That is why we provide custom legal solutions tailored to your business.

Custom solutions per industry and company

Every business operates differently and faces different legal risks. Therefore, we tailor the document to your industry, customers, agreements, and way of working.

Webshops & e-commerce

Focus on online sales, delivery, returns, complaints, payment, digital products, and consumer regulations.

Business services

Attention to the assignment, additional work, liability, payment, termination, and reliance on client information.

Construction, installation & execution

Attention to planning, delivery, warranties, additional work, materials, delays, and liability risks.

Software, SaaS & digital services

Attention to licenses, availability, support, updates, data, intellectual property, and limitation of liability.

Trade, supply & wholesale

Attention to delivery, transport, payment, retention of title, warranties, delivery times, and international agreements.

Consultants, freelancers & advisors

Attention to scope, best efforts obligations, cancellation, payment, liability, and confidential information.


A legal document only has value if it suits your practice. That is why we look not only at the text, but also at how you use the document in your business.

Common mistakes with legal documents

A legal document often seems simple, but small errors can have major consequences later on. In practice, we see that entrepreneurs run the greatest risk when a document does not align well with their business, agreements, or way of working.

  • Using a standard document that does not suit the company
  • Forgot important agreements regarding payment, delivery, liability, or termination
  • Have a document generated without legal review
  • Continuing to use old documents while the company has changed
  • Not knowing how the document should be used correctly in practice

A legal document only prevents problems if it suits your situation. That is why we look not only at the text, but also at your company, agreements, and risks.

Why is a standard document often not enough?

Because a standard document does not take into account your industry, customers, risks, and specific agreements, important provisions may be missing or not align well with your practice.

Can I create a legal document myself using AI?

AI can assist in creating text, but does not independently assess whether the document is legally appropriate, complete, and usable for your business. Legal review therefore remains important.

When do I need to have my document checked?

Have your document checked if your business has changed, you have new customers or services, you have doubts about existing agreements, or the document has not been updated for a long time.

Will I also receive an explanation about the use of the document?

Yes. We explain how to use the document in practice, what to look out for, and which steps are important to prevent disputes afterwards.

Contact us

Annelore Hendriks

Want to know more about our services?
Then contact our specialists.

Newsletter for entrepreneurs

Receive practical legal tips in your mailbox

Register now

Enter your email address and receive our newsletter.

No spam. Only legal tips.
By registering, you agree to our privacy statement.
SME Lawyers at the Chamber of Commerce Source: Chamber of Commerce 2019
Free consultation