How much time off for dependents can I take in a year?

There is no upper limit on how much time off for dependents you have in a year, however, case law suggests that in some circumstances the time off is not unlimited.  In Qua v John Ford Morrison Solicitors (2003) the Employment Appeal Tribunal made a distinction between an immediate crisis and long-term care.  In this case the child had an ongoing health problem and had regular relapses.  The tribunal ruled that these relapses were not unforeseen.  However even when it is known that  a child has an underlying health condition, it does not always follow that a relapse or illness will be foreseeable so seek advice from, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau,  if your employer tries to rely on this case.