Build Your Family with Confidence

Step 1: Contracting

You will meet with an attorney who will assist you with the onboarding process.

You will be asked to provide:

• Names of intended parents

• What you look for in a surrogate

• Potential timelines

• Medical Providers

• Any costs related to the services

Once this has been established, you will sign the agreement for the services to begin.

Step 2: Matching

Next, you will begin the process of getting profiles of our available surrogates. The timeline of matching with a surrogate varies due to many different reasons. We monitor and carefully provide surrogates to you who are closely matched to your expectations.

You will get the chance to have a video meet & greet with the potential surrogate to see if what matches on paper also matches in person. This gives both you and the surrogate a personal touch to what is a very important step in the journey.

Step 3: Legal

Congratulations on finding your match! Next, you will meet with the attorney again and draft the Gestational Agreement, which varies by state, to begin the process of surrogacy. 

The attorney will work on behalf of the intended parents to ensure all details and expectations are listed in the agreement. The surrogate will have the opportunity to include input in the agreement. This process can take some time to ensure all requirements/expectations are met and agreed upon.

Step 4: Medical

Your matched surrogate will begin the health screening process at your chosen fertility center. This must occur before your surrogate begins the embryo transfer process.

The surrogate will go through tests and medications to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This step requires the medical facility's clearance before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Pregnancy

Once a positive test has been produced, you begin the countdown of starting your family. Congratulations! The surrogate will go through standard OB/GYN procedure during her pregnancy. This will require while informing you and keeping you in the loop throughout. This is your journey too!

During this time, your attorney will begin the legal process of establishing parentage rights and preparing all documents needed for the birth certificate (varies by state). 

This is also a great time to begin preparing to bring your little one home. Many intended parents begin nursery projects, newborn photographer planning, and other nesting.

Step 6: Becoming Parents

Happy Delivery Day! Now that roughly 40 weeks have passed and the baby is born, your journey has reached the final steps towards the finish line. You can take your little one home while your attorney finalizes the legal documents listing your names on the baby's birth certificates upon.

We will keep in touch over the weeks after the birth to make sure you have all you need and that you are happily beginning the early days of parenthood!

Navigating the surrogacy and assisted reproduction process can feel overwhelming, but a fertility law attorney ensures every legal step is handled with precision and care. For intended parents, this guidance is essential to protect your rights, your child’s rights, and the surrogate’s role throughout the journey.

Drafting & Negotiating Agreements 

One of the first steps in the surrogacy process is creating a gestational surrogacy agreement. Your attorney will:

• Draft a legal contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties.

• Ensure compliance with any applicable state laws if you and/or your surrogate reside elsewhere.

• Address key issues such as medical decisions, bases/expenses, parental rights, and future expectations.

• Negotiate terms on your behalf so that your family’s best interests remain the priority.  

Filing Petitions with the Court

Once a surrogacy agreement is in place and the pregnancy is established, your attorney will prepare and file the necessary court petitions. These filings are crucial to:

• Secure your parental rights before your child is born.

• Prevent any legal uncertainties regarding custody or parentage.

• Ensure your names appear on your child’s birth certificate without complications.

Finalizing Parentage Orders

Toward the end of the process, the fertility law attorney helps you finalize everything legally. This often includes:

• Presenting a proposed pre-birth or post-birth order to the court.

• Attending hearings (when required) and advocating for you.

• Confirming that your parental rights are fully recognized under the law.

• Handling any additional legal details to ensure a smooth transition from pregnancy to parenthood.

Yes! Our program is fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ intended parents. We provide tailored support for every family structure.

Fertility law is a highly specialized area. Without experienced legal representation, intended parents risk facing delays, disputes, or incomplete recognition of their parental rights. A fertility law attorney provides peace of mind by making sure every step—from agreements to court orders—is handled correctly, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: welcoming your child into the world.

Pre-Screened Surrogates: Peace of Mind for Intended Parents >