🇺🇸 Your rights in United States

Equal pay

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires employers to pay women and men equally for substantially equal work in the same workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also bans sex discrimination in pay, promotion and other terms of employment.

• Pay includes salary, overtime, bonuses, benefits and other compensation.
• An employer may defend a difference only with a genuine reason other than sex, such as a seniority or merit system.
• Many states have stronger equal pay laws, and some ban salary-history questions or require pay ranges in job ads.

Complaints usually go to the EEOC or your state agency, and time limits are strict, so act quickly if you suspect unequal pay.

Harassment at work

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII, which covers employers with 15 or more employees. State laws often cover smaller employers too.

Harassment can be unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment, or that is tied to decisions about your job.

• Report it in writing using your employer's complaint procedure if it is safe to do so.
• Keep a dated log of incidents, witnesses and evidence.
• It is unlawful to retaliate against you for complaining.

To bring a legal claim you generally must first file a charge with the EEOC or a state agency. Deadlines are short — often 180 days, extended to 300 days in many states — so get advice early.

Pregnancy and maternity

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for employers covered by Title VII to treat you less favorably because of pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for known pregnancy-related limitations, unless this would cause undue hardship.

• Accommodations can include breaks, seating, schedule changes, lighter duties or time off.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, but not everyone qualifies.
• The PUMP Act gives many employees the right to break time and a private space to express breast milk.

There is no federal paid maternity leave. Several states and some employers offer paid family leave, so check your state's rules and your employer's policies.

Flexible work

There is no general federal right to request flexible or remote work. Whether you can change your hours or location usually depends on your employer's policies, your contract and your state or city.

• If you are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, a schedule change or remote work may be a reasonable accommodation under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
• If you have a disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act may require reasonable accommodations, which can include flexible schedules.
• Some states and cities have predictable scheduling or caregiver protections.

It often helps to make a written request that explains how the arrangement would work and how your job would still get done. Keep a copy of the request and the reply.

Protection from domestic abuse

Every state allows you to ask a court for a protection order (also called a restraining order or order of protection) against an abusive partner or family member. Orders can require the person to stay away from you, your home, work or children, and to stop contacting you.

• Courts can often issue a temporary or emergency order quickly, followed by a hearing for a longer order.
• Breaking an order can be a crime.
• Domestic violence advocates can help you fill in the forms and plan for your safety, usually for free.

The Violence Against Women Act funds services for survivors and includes housing protections in many federally assisted homes. Names, procedures and the length of orders differ between states. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Separation and divorce

Divorce is governed by state law, and every state offers some form of no-fault divorce, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing. Many states also allow legal separation.

• Property is divided under either community property rules or "equitable distribution", depending on the state.
• Courts decide custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child.
• Child support is calculated using state guidelines, and spousal support (alimony) may be available.

Residency requirements and waiting periods vary. If there has been abuse, tell the court and your lawyer, as it can affect custody and safety arrangements. Keep copies of financial records such as bank statements, tax returns and pension details before you separate if you can do so safely.

Legal aid and free legal help

There is no general right to a free lawyer in civil cases such as divorce or employment disputes, but there are many sources of free or low-cost help.

• Legal aid organizations, many funded by the Legal Services Corporation, help people on low incomes with family law, housing, benefits and domestic violence cases.
• Domestic violence programs often provide free legal advocacy, including help with protection orders.
• Law school clinics and state bar lawyer referral services can offer free or reduced-fee consultations.
• Some employment lawyers take discrimination cases on a contingency basis, meaning they are paid only if you win.

If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, you have a constitutional right to a public defender.