From now UK dads will get paternity leave for 25 weeks. This leave will start after the birth of child till to the end of 25 weeks.
New rights to allow parents to share leave following the birth or adoption of their child have come into effect.
Aside from an initial two weeks of maternity leave for the mother, up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay can be shared between parents.
According to the rules, parents can also take time off at the same time to look after a newborn.
The Institute of Directors has previously warned the new law could create a "nightmare" for employers.
The changes were pushed for by the Liberal Democrats whilst in coalition government.
