Specific to the application of the FMLA, the University of Michigan defines a family member as follows:

“Family member” is defined as the staff member's spouse or other qualified adult; the child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or other related individual whose care is the responsibility of the staff member, spouse, or other qualified adult.

1. Spouse: An individual in a lawfully recognized opposite-sex or same-sex marriage, or married under common law.
2. Other qualified adult.
   • Read the definition of "Other Qualified Adult".
3. Parent means a biological, adoptive, step or foster father or mother, or any other individual who had daily responsibility for the care and financial support of the employee, the employee’s spouse, or other qualified adult during the individual’s childhood.
4. Child means a biological, adoptive, step, foster, legal ward, or any other individual where the employee, the employee’s spouse, or other qualified adult has responsibility for the care and financial support of the child, or had such responsibility when the individual was a child.