The eligibility requirements can seem quite complicated, but basically, if you're in a couple, you're raising a child together and you're both in paid work then you are likely to qualify. One of you must be entitled to maternity leave, Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. In addition, if you’re the one who wants to take Shared Parental Leave, you must be an employee with at least 26 weeks’ service with your employer by the end of the 15^th week before the baby is due. You can check your eligibility here.