LGBTQ Help When Looking For a Surrogate

LGBTQ Help When Looking For a Surrogate

LGBTQ Help When Looking For a Surrogate

For couples who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, starting a family in the “traditional” way may not be so simple. Instead, many people turn to other methods for growing their family, including options like adoption or surrogacy. Many people who consider surrogacy may not realize just how hard of a process this can be, financially, mentally, and emotionally. If you and your partner believe that now is the right time to add to your family and are hoping to do so with legal counsel, it could greatly benefit you to speak with a lawyer.

What typically happens when you start the surrogacy process? 

The surrogacy process is not as simple as finding a person you like willing to bring your baby into this world. Instead, the typical process looks something like this:

  1. Getting started with an agency. First, you will want to set up consultations with agencies and find one that works for you and your partner. You want to work with someone who is understanding of your specific needs and who can speak with you and your attorney throughout the entire process. 
  2. Getting through the medical aspects. Once you find a surrogate through the agency, you need to make sure they have gone through rigorous medical screenings. While they do this, you can work with your attorney to make sure all appropriate legal documents are drawn up regarding parental rights. As your surrogate goes through the stages of pregnancy, it is important to work with her to establish a bond and to begin planning for your baby’s arrival and coordinating travel, if need be.
  3. Learning about your rights. When it comes to surrogacy, not all states are surrogacy-friendly. It is imperative that you begin working with a lawyer as soon as you can so that you can establish what your rights are and what your partner’s rights will be when the baby arrives. By doing this, can make sure that both you and your partner’s names are on your child’s birth certificate. 

Begin the Process of Growing Your Family! 

LGBTQ+ couples face many obstacles when it comes to starting a family. However, with the help of a local attorney, you may be able to avoid many of these hardships from the beginning. You have the right to begin creating your family. Contact a lawyer for more information at your convenience.