ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA
Surrogacy in Washington, D.C. [The Complete Guide]
We’ve outlined the 7 steps of surrogacy in Washington, D.C. to help you gain a better understanding of what’s ahead.
Remember: If you want to get started or if you need more information, you can contact us at any time.
For many would-be parents and for women who wish to help families in Washington, D.C., surrogacy seems an easy and exciting decision. For others, it’s a harder choice.
If we can answer any questions or provide you with additional information that can aid you in your decision just let us know. We’re here to help you find the path that’s right for you.
There are several different types of surrogacy in Washington, D.C. and different paths your journey can take:
If you’re not sure which of the options are right for you and your family, we can walk you through the options and offer our years of expertise to help you better understand the different types.
Before the Washington, D.C. surrogacy process can truly begin, intended parents and surrogates need to undergo screening to ensure that everyone is physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and legally ready for this journey.
The evaluations surrogates and intended parents must complete will vary from one professional to the next. However, most will ask that you undergo background checks, in-home visits and interviews. Additionally, surrogates will undergo a series of medical examinations to ensure that they are healthy enough to become a surrogate in Washington, D.C.
You may already have your perfect match in mind, especially if your surrogate or intended parents are your friends or family members. However, for those who don’t already have a match, there are two ways to find one:
No matter how you choose to find a Washington, D.C. surrogacy match, we’ll help you complete the required legal steps and keep you legally protected throughout the process and beyond.
Now, it’s time for the intended parents and surrogate to establish a formal, legally-binding Washington, D.C., surrogacy contract. The two parties will need to be separately represented by individual Washington, D.C., surrogacy attorneys. This is the only way to ensure fair and equal representation throughout the creation of the contract. If you don’t have a secondary surrogacy lawyer in Washington, D.C., we can refer you to legal representation we know and trust.
The two Washington, D.C., surrogacy lawyers will meet with their respective clients to discuss potential terms to include within the contract. Then, the attorneys will come together to create a contract that accurately reflects and respects everyone’s needs. If everyone approves of the terms within the contract, it will be signed and executed.
With that finalized contract, you can move forward with the Washington, D.C., surrogacy process. Next up is the medical stage.
This is when preparations for the embryo transfer process will begin. All of the details regarding your medical process will have been outlined in your contract, including the agreed-upon fertility clinic where fertility treatments will take place.
If the intended parents don’t have frozen embryos the intended mother or the egg donor will receive medication to help develop eggs before the retrieval process. Then, the egg will be fertilized at the fertility clinic to create an embryo, which will then be transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
After the pregnancy has been confirmed and a heartbeat is heard, the surrogate will typically start receiving base compensation in addition to prenatal care throughout her pregnancy.
This is the most anticipated moment of the Washington, D.C., surrogacy process for surrogates and intended parents alike. To celebrate and participate in this life-changing experience, the intended parents typically join their surrogate at the hospital and support her throughout labor and delivery. When the baby is born and the surrogate is discharged, everyone can return home.
There will be a few final legal steps to complete at this point. We’ll guide everyone through these final legalities and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on the important moment at hand.
We know that, with a process as complex as surrogacy in the District of Columbia, you will have
questions. We are here to answer any additional legal questions you have about the process of surrogacy in D.C. For now, here are the answers to three of the most common questions we receive:
Yes. As long as your Washington, D.C. surrogacy process is completed in accordance with local laws and regulations, surrogacy is legal here. This is why you must always work with an experienced Washington, D.C. surrogacy attorney, as we are the most familiar with local requirements.
Yes. However, we (and most Washington, D.C. surrogacy professionals) will always encourage you to consider gestational surrogacy instead. Traditional surrogacy involves increased legal and emotional risks for everyone involved, and many professionals will not complete this type of surrogacy.
Yes. We’ll help you outline the specifics regarding reimbursement and compensation in your legal contract.
Ready to begin your Washington, D.C. surrogacy? Have some more questions, or need legal guidance? Schedule your consultation now, and let one of our attorneys be your legal guide throughout the process of surrogacy in Washington, D.C.
“We believe in working with each of our clients—in support of their family dynamic—to make the dreams of parenthood a reality. Whether you are single or married; or gay; a step-parent, a surrogate or intended parent or a child of adoption, it is our mission to serve as your advocate. With a dedication to the ethical and sensitive nature of each situation, we will help you understand the laws within Maryland , Virginia and Washington, DC for adoption or surrogacy, and pledge to be your partner throughout the journey.”
- Modern Family Formation Law Offices
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