hi my thai wife is having our baby in november ,she is living in thailand .i'm still in the uk going out soon does any one no if i can take matenity leave and if so how much thanks

First of all, you don't get any maternity leave... unless you are the one giving birth

You're looking for paternity leave (up to two weeks around the time of birth) or paternal leave (time off to care for a child).

The rules have been beefed up recently, see:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneya...ace/DG_10029398

and

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneya...ing/DG_10029416

It says you need to be the biological father(paternity) or be named on the birth certificate (paternal), but does not specify whether the mother has to be a UK national/resident. You need to get your head around this quickly as the timing of paternity leave is very specific.

Suggest you call the ACAS helpline for specific advice: 08457 47 47 47

Chok dee.

K.