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California Maternity Leave Consulting Book My Benefits Call โ†’
For California Fractional Executives

Yes, moms and dads.

Paid maternity leave. Even if you're your own boss.

"Paid maternity leave is for people with employers." It's one of the most common things we hear fractionals have been led to believe, and it's often wrong. Our California clients receive a minimum of $30K to over $100K for their maternity leaves. We handle the strategy, setup and all paperwork filing.

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Takes two minutes. No obligation.

Photo goes here: a professional, confident pregnant woman working at her laptop
$30K+minimum benefit for our fractional clients
$100K+what many clients have received
Q4 2026the key tax and strategy planning window for a 2027โ€“2028 baby
The clock you didn't know was running

Q4 2026 is the window if a baby is in your plans for 2027 or 2028.

Most fractionals assume maternity leave pay comes down to how much you earn. That's only half of it. When you earn it matters too, and the calendar doesn't give second chances. Once Q4 ends, part of what you could have shaped is locked in.

The way you pay yourself between now and your leave can change what you're eligible for. Plan ahead and we can build a strategy around it. Wait until you're pregnant, and the best window may already be behind you.

We won't unpack every detail on this page, because it depends on how your practice is set up. On a call, we'll show you what Q4 means for your timeline.

The window to shape your 2027โ€“2028 leave closes Dec 31

Oct 1Q4 2026 planning window is openDec 31
  1. Now to Dec 31PlanYou are here
  2. 2027 to 2028Baby arrivesYour leave begins
  3. During leavePaid benefitsBuilt on what you set up in Q4

What you do in Q4 shapes what you receive later.

Does Q4 matter to you?

  • You're planning a baby in 2027 or early 2028.
  • You pay yourself through your S-Corp.
  • You haven't looked at your payroll with maternity leave in mind.
  • Your CPA set your salary for taxes, not for this.

If you checked even one, book a call before the year ends.

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If you're like most of our fractional clients

You probably planned to save and pay for your own maternity leave.

No employer. No HR. No leave policy. So most fractional executives assume maternity leave means going unpaid and dipping into savings, because they're not a "normal" employee.

But if you run your practice as a California S-Corp and pay yourself through payroll, you are eligible for benefits you probably didn't know about. Most fractionals never find out, or it's too confusing to piece together and they give up altogether.

You probably set up your S-Corp for tax reasons, and it's already saving you money. Now it can work even harder for you. You don't need a new system or a different tax structure. We use what you and your CPA already put in place to make sure everything is done correctly and you get the most from the State. The result: maternity leave benefits, tax benefits, and your savings preserved for the things that matter more.

If you're like most of my clients, you might be thinking...

"This is too confusing, I'll just use savings."
"I'm self-employed, so paid maternity leave isn't a thing for me."
"I'll figure it out closer to my due date."
"I don't have HR to ask and I don't have corporate benefits."
"I haven't been paying into the system long enough or missed my window."
"The reasonable salary my CPA advised me on is too low to get anything."

I hear it all the time. It doesn't have to be this hard. Bring in an expert, and we'll take this off your plate.

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You might be thinking

Running your fractional practice is already your full-time job.

Figuring out how to ensure you're getting paid maternity leave shouldn't become another one. There's no HR department for guidance, no bench to cover your clients, and no single employer handing you a policy. Just questions you're left to answer alone, or with AI.

?How much maternity leave pay do I actually qualify for?
?Does the "reasonable salary" I keep low, based on my CPA's advice, affect my benefits?
?Should I change anything with payroll before my leave?
?What paperwork do I file as the employee AND the employer?
?How does leave work when my income comes from multiple client engagements, and can I keep some of them?
?What happens if something gets denied or delayed?

The decisions you make before your maternity leave affect the amount of benefits you receive, and mistakes when getting set up can mean leaving priceless income on the table.

You don't need to become a maternity leave expert to get your $30Kโ€“$100K+ in paid benefits. That's our job.

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Done For You Maternity Leave Planning and Execution Service, California Maternity Leave Consulting

Done for you maternity leave planning and execution service

Ready to have an expert take this off your plate?

When you work with me and my team, you get a guaranteed successful filing and we do all the heavy lifting. Here's how:

  • โœ“A private kick-off session with a full review of your pay history and strategic recommendations to maximize your tax-free income
  • โœ“We file everything for you: all State and private insurance claims and paperwork, on both the employer and employee sides of your claim
  • โœ“A personalized quick-reference guide that lays out your benefit plan and next steps, all in one place
  • โœ“Full review of your partner's benefits and benefit documents, whether through self-employment or a W-2 corporate job, plus filing of all their forms too
  • โœ“Unlimited support by email, calls and Zoom meetings throughout pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum, plus expert troubleshooting when the unexpected happens, all the way up to State disability hearings before a judge. We've seen it all.
  • โœ“A guaranteed successful claim filing with the State and guaranteed minimum benefits. Working with us gets you eligible, maximizes your benefits and keeps you eligible to secure them.

A steady, expert hand by your side. We've been there, done that and seen every type of unique claim and employment situation. There's no one-size-fits-all, so as long as you're an S-Corp, we'll build a custom plan that makes your structure work within California's maternity leave system.

Services are offered as a flat rate, all-inclusive investment.

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Why this is different

Maternity leave for an S-Corp owner isn't the same as for an employee.

You're wearing two hats: you're the fractional and the owner of your practice, and you're your own W-2 employee. That creates planning opportunities, and complexities, that most generic maternity leave resources aren't built to address.

Employer
Employee

This isn't one of a dozen things we do. Maternity leave is what we do, for business owners specifically. We've worked with over 5,000 clients, several hundred of them business owners, so we know how to get the job done: making sure you get the most from your benefits and have support every step of the way.

The difference

You get a team that already knows what to look for.

Instead of spending hours trying to become an expert yourself, you get specialists who know exactly what questions to ask, what to look for, and what needs to happen next, because this is all we do.

Your zone of genius is the work you do as a fractional. This is ours. Just as a company brings you in to take a function off its plate, bring us in to take this off yours, and do it for you. You get more time with your baby, and more focus on your business and revenue.

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Case studies

Four fractionals. Four situations. A unique plan for each.

A few examples of how we've helped California fractionals plan and execute their ideal maternity leave.

Fractional CMO

"I'm a fractional CMO. I assumed my maternity leave would be unpaid."

S-Corp owner with three retainer clients

The situation
Fractionals slot into companies on contract, so she assumed leave meant unpaid time off, funded entirely from her own savings.
How we helped
She was an S-Corp paying herself a W-2 wage. We structured her payroll and filings so she could collect benefits.
The result
Over $50,000 of tax-free income across more than six months. Money she didn't know she had, no savings used, and a better tax position for her family that year.
Fractional CFO

"I'm a male fractional CFO. I didn't know dads could get paid leave too."

S-Corp owner with a small W-2 salary

The situation
He didn't think dads qualified for any parental leave benefits in California and expected to forgo them.
How we helped
We made him eligible and kept him eligible, so he could collect benefits while keeping some fractional clients going. We also structured things so his wife, who works in the business, qualified through his company.
The result
Over $14,000 for him, and over $44,000 for his wife, who would have received nothing without early planning.
Fractional COO

"I'm a fractional COO. My CPA kept my salary low, so I figured I wouldn't qualify for anything."

S-Corp owner, reasonable salary set for taxes

The situation
Her CPA set a low salary to save on taxes. She never thought about maternity leave and worried the low salary meant she'd collect nothing meaningful.
How we helped
We restructured her existing payroll and added strategic solo 401(k) contributions to increase what she could receive from the state.
The result
Ten months off and over $80,000 of tax-free income, compared with about $30,000 without our help.
Fractional consultant coach

"I'm a fractional consultant coach juggling many clients. I couldn't picture stepping away."

S-Corp owner with multiple client engagements

The situation
A coach for fractionals with several lucrative income streams, she didn't want to lose them or pause them during her leave.
How we helped
We identified her critical clients and income streams, then structured her leave so her business EIN could keep earning separately from her personal SSN.
The result
Over $100,000 of leave income, with her seven-figure business still running, her key coaching clients kept, and a partial leave built around her.

Client details changed for privacy. Photos are illustrative.

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Real results

Real business owners. Real maternity leaves. Real results.

"Navigating Californiaโ€™s state processes can be overwhelming, but Diane made it seamless by holding my hand through every step of the journey."

When I got pregnant, I was incredibly nervous about navigating maternity leave, as I own a small business and my income depends entirely on the work I do. Thankfully, I discovered Diane on Instagram, and she became an invaluable resource in helping me navigate Californiaโ€™s disability system. Diane guided me in optimizing the benefits Iโ€™ve paid into over the years, ensuring I had the financial support I needed during such an important time.

She also helped us navigate my husbandโ€™s paternity leave policies at his smaller corporate company, which doesnโ€™t have a formal HR department, so we could fully understand what was offered.

Diane guided me through early and extended disability based on my specific circumstances. Navigating Californiaโ€™s state processes can be overwhelming, but Diane made it seamless by holding my hand through every step of the journey. With the stress of preparing for a newborn, working with Diane completely removed the additional burden of navigating maternity leave logistics. I am so grateful for her expertise and support!

Madison LatifiFractional CMO

"Diane was a complete life savor! As a self employed business owner I had no idea I could ever get maternity leave."

I am so lucky I found her instagram just in time to set mine up! I am a single mom with no financial help from anyone else so I was stressing about money as soon as I found out I was pregnant. Because of Diane I was able to take a breather for the year from work and it was such a blessing! 10/10 recommend, love her and love what she does to help women!

Paulina SalazarReal Estate Agent

"Working with Diane was an absolute game-changer. As a solo business owner, I wasnโ€™t sure how much maternity leave I could realistically take, or if Iโ€™d even qualify for any support."

Diane gave me a plan and a solution when I wasnโ€™t sure there was any. She walked me through every step, explained my options clearly, and helped me secure the maximum maternity leave possible. Iโ€™m so deeply grateful for her expertise, compassion, and genuine care. If youโ€™re navigating maternity leave or self-employed benefits, Diane is the person you want in your corner.

Cornelia HanesCoach

"Because of her guidance, I was able to take the time off I truly desired with my baby and maximize the money I received during my leave."

As a small business owner, I didnโ€™t have all the proper systems in place when it came to maternity leave. I honestly had no idea how I was going to step away from my business and still make it work financially. I felt overwhelmed and unsure if taking real time off was even possible for me.

Working with Diane completely changed that. Diane walked me through every single step, helped me get everything set up correctly, and was incredibly responsive from start to finish โ€” all the way until my very last payment was collected. She truly saved me.

Because of her guidance, I was able to take the time off I truly desired with my baby and maximize the money I received during my leave. I would not have had nearly as much time โ€” if any at all โ€” without their help. As a business owner, that kind of support is priceless. Iโ€™m beyond grateful for the peace of mind and the precious time I got to spend with my baby.

HannahTherapist and Coach
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Diane Gatza, P.E., founder of California Maternity Leave Consulting
Meet your specialist

Diane Gatza, P.E.

Founder + CEO, California Maternity Leave Consulting

I'm a licensed engineer who turned my own experience with California's complicated maternity leave system into a company that helps other women do the same.

We've helped 5,000+ women and families, and I've found that business owners are one of the most underserved groups. You don't have HR walking you through it, and the way you pay yourself through your business can matter.

You shouldn't have to choose between running your practice and figuring out your maternity leave. We'll handle that part.

Book My Benefits Call โ†’
Is this for you?

We're intentionally specialized.

That's what makes this work. Check before you apply.

A great fit if:

  • โœ“You work as a fractional CFO, COO, CMO or similar consultant or advisor
  • โœ“You're based in California
  • โœ“Your practice is an LLC or corporation taxed as an S-Corp
  • โœ“You pay yourself W-2/payroll income through your business
  • โœ“You're pregnant, or planning a baby in 2027 or 2028
  • โœ“You'd rather have an expert handle it than research and file it all yourself

Probably not a fit if:

  • โœ•You don't live in California
  • โœ•You're a sole proprietor
  • โœ•You receive only 1099 income from your clients
  • โœ•Your LLC is taxed as a single-member/disregarded entity
  • โœ•You don't pay yourself any W-2/payroll income through your business

Not sure? Submit the form. We'll confirm your business structure before we ask you to book a call.

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FAQ

You have questions. We have the answers.

I'm self-employed. Can I really get maternity leave benefits?

Yes, you will be eligible. If your practice is an S-Corp and you pay yourself W-2 payroll, you qualify. How much you receive depends on your setup and payroll structure, and our clients typically receive a minimum of $30,000 in benefits.

What if I'm not pregnant yet?

That's the best time to plan. If you're planning a baby in 2027 or 2028, Q4 right now is the best time to build your strategy, before you're pregnant, because that's when you have the most options.

I'm a dad. Is this for me?

Yes. We help non-birthing parents all the time.

What if I'm fostering or adopting? Is this for me?

Yes. We work with many clients in traditional and non-traditional families, including single parents by choice, fostering, adopting, same-sex couples and more.

What if my partner runs their own business too? Do we have options?

Yes. We look at everything together across both partners, and sometimes we can get you even more benefits. We structure maternity and paternity leave as a family, and sometimes we end up getting you more benefits through your partner than through your own business.

Can I keep working while I'm on leave?

Yes. Many of our clients keep a ramped-down set of clients while they're out. We'll go over how to do that and help set you up correctly if that's what you want.

What happens on my benefits call?

You'll get three things: confirmation of your eligibility, your benefits estimate, and your bookend benefit options, so you know what your minimums and maximums will be. If you're interested, we'll also go over our services to see if it's a good fit. There's no obligation.

How do I know I'll actually get benefits?

If you're an S-Corp and you run payroll for yourself, you will get benefits. We just need to set you up correctly so you're prepared to receive the maximum. We'll go over that on the call.

What does it cost to work with you?

We cover our services and pricing on the call so you can decide whether it's a good fit. We offer flat-rate pricing, which is a business expense.

Is this only for California?

Yes. This service is for California fractionals taxed as S-Corps.

I'm a 1099 or a single-member LLC. Can you help?

Probably not, unless you're not pregnant yet and open to setting up as an S-Corp for your taxes. We can only help S-Corp owners who pay themselves W-2 payroll.

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Check your eligibility

The Q4 window closes Dec 31. Let's chat and find out what it means for you and your business.

Fill out the short form and tell us about your fractional practice. We'll confirm that you qualify for benefits and that you're set up correctly, then you'll get on a call to go over your estimate, your options and your next steps.

We never want to rush anyone. If it's not a good fit based on what you share, we'll tell you honestly, because we know your time is valuable and we don't want to waste it.

Form not loading? Open it in a new tab. Submitting this form does not obligate you to purchase services. If it looks like we may be a good fit, our team will reach out with next steps.

ยฉ California Maternity Leave Consulting ยท Exclusively for California fractional executives and S-Corp business owners. Results vary. Figures reflect past business owner clients. Your eligibility and benefit amount depend on your income, payroll setup and state rules.