One of life’s most amazing moments is the first time you look into the face of your child and hold them in your arms. It is the most life altering moment you’ll ever experience. In that first look, in the first seconds of that child’s life, your whole destiny looks clearer. Every growing family should have the gift of this moment.

According to CDC data, 6% of all women of child-bearing age suffer from infertility. The 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth recorded that 7.4 million women have received infertility services to help them become pregnant, many unsuccessfully. Added to those figures are the statistics for same-sex couples that seek pregnancy options. For many families, there comes a time when they have to consider surrogacy options in order to expand their family. This is often a very emotional decision, with very complex choices. During this time, when the family’s hearts are open and vulnerable, the most important decision that they can make for their protection is to hire a Surrogacy Attorney who is well versed in the field. A surrogacy attorney will be someone who can help potential parents understand their options, and provide the support that is best for the family’s circumstances, and make sure that they are legally protected for life. Right from the beginning, while you are trying to determine if surrogacy is the right option for you, a surrogacy attorney can provide the experience and objectivity to get the family to that dream moment – holding their baby.

The world can be very complex. The roles of a Surrogacy Attorney are to help a family find answers, grow their family, and maintain stability. Families always want what is best for the children in their lives, no matter how the relationship status may change for the adults. The best peace of mind is in knowing that the legal professionals have the expertise to effectively address all your family concerns. A Surrogacy Attorney, directly, or through the network of their Attorney Group, should have a thorough understanding of the following:

Knowledge of State, National, and International Surrogacy Laws

• Drafting of contract(s) between the parents and their surrogate
• Helping future parents in finalizing parental rights issues
• Assisting with informed consent agreements

Family Counseling (Specific to prospective parents and third parties assisting in reproduction)

• Varied reproduction methods available

Medical Screening and Examination Processes Required

• Surrogacy
• Egg donation
• Embryo donation
• Sperm donation

Financial Responsibility for all Involved Parties (perspective parents, third parties, and families) Because Family Dynamics can Change, the attorney should also be able to address:

• Blended family contracts
• Step-parent adoptions
• Co-parenting agreements
• Pre-martial family agreements
• Establishing parental rights agreements between parties

Surrogacy Attorneys will have a network of family answers, including newer genetic solutions so that there can be a DNA connection to both parents. Best of all, families will be spared any confusion as they begin the process, or future heartbreak resulting from any party having a change of heart. When a family has proper legal representation, they are more certain to have a stable, secure, stress-free future. Leaving them able to enjoy what every family wants, just to watch their family grow.