Family Formation Overview
When you decide you want to start or expand your family, we can assist you in any of the following areas:
- Adoption
- Gestational & Traditional Surrogacy
- Egg/Ovum Donation
- Embryo Donation/Adoption
- Legal Contract Drafting of Surrogacy contracts; Ovum, Sperm or Embryo Donation contracts;
- Legal Reviews of contracts;
- Legal Court Work for determinations of parentage, etc;
- Legal Consultations re adoptions; assisted reproduction; how to set up an arrangement so it will have the appropriate legal consequences, parentage/support issues, comparisons between adoption and surrogacy, unusual situations, etc
Adoption
Adoption is the traditional way to add a child to your family. In infant adoptions, Adopting Parents connect with a Birth Mother, usually during her last trimester. Shortly after the baby’s birth, the child is placed with the Adopting Parents. Consents or relinquishments are signed shortly thereafter and legal issues are resolved, allowing the adoption to be finalized six to eight months later.
»View the services we offer Adopting Parents
Working With a Surrogate
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.
Traditional surrogacy involves artificial insemination, using the surrogate’s egg and sperm from the Intended Father or from a Donor. Because the surrogate’s egg is used, the surrogate mother is genetically related to the baby she gives birth to. In CA, a traditional surrogacy contract is not legally binding; therefore this is not a alternative we recommend.
Gestational surrogacy utilizes In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) where a non biologically related embryo is medically implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. Intended Parents can have a child that is genetically related to them, using the Intended Mother’s egg and the Intended Father’s sperm. In CA, gestational surrogacy contracts have been upheld by the Courts.
»Learn more about our Gestational Surrogacy Program.
Using Donated Eggs
Egg donation (or “ovum donation”) is the most popular method of family creation. Embryos created from the donated egg can be used for gestation by either the Intended Mother or the Gestational Surrogate. There may be written Contracts (either with full disclosure of names or nondisclosure of names) to give full parental rights to Intended Parents.
»Learn more about our Egg Donor Program and our Book of Donors.
Legal Services
Our assisted reproduction contract drafting has been refined over the past 27 years to cover the many issues which may arise. We have served as expert witnesses and consultants nationwide.
Contract drafting for surrogacy, ovum donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation is individualized for your situation. Our contract review work also reflects our years of experience, pinpointing areas that may need special consideration or may be missing from your contract. Because we recognize that timing may be crucial, we strive to complete your review within a very short period of time.
Legal consultations always are customized for your specific needs. Unique situations are our forte; we are very knowledgeable about all aspects of family building whether it be adoption, surrogacy, ovum or sperm donation, embryo donation or embryo adoption.
Court work: We will do the necessary legal work to secure your rights as parents, whether via adoption or for gestational surrogacy.