ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA
Surrogacy in Virginia [The Complete Guide]
Below, you’ll find information on each of the steps intended parents and gestational carriers go through during the Virginia surrogacy process along with answers to some common questions about Virginia surrogacy laws. If you have any questions while you’re reading, don’t forget that you can always contact us to get more answers and information.
The Virginia Surrogacy Process in 7 Steps
When you’re just getting started, the Virginia surrogacy process might be a little confusing.
To help simplify things, here's an overview of what the surrogacy process in Virginia typically looks like.
For some intended parents and surrogates, choosing surrogacy in Virginia is an easy choice. For others, it will take some time to know that it’s the right choice .
Before you make your final decision, be sure to take a look at the pros and cons of surrogacy and Virginia surrogacy laws, and potentially reach out to a professional who can provide support services.
We will be here to answer any additional questions you may have and to walk you through the legal process of surrogacy in Virginia.
Once you have decided that Virginia surrogacy is the right choice for you, it’s time to start thinking about the types of surrogacy along with the type of surrogacy professional you may work with. There are several different paths to choose from, including:
This will be a lot to think about. However, no matter which type of surrogacy you choose, we can help you complete the process legally and safely. If you’d like more information about the Virginia surrogacy process, contact us today to get started.
Screening is an essential step in the Virginia surrogacy process. What does it typically include?
Here’s what the process may consist of for both parties:
To learn more about what your screening process will include for surrogacy in Virginia, please reach out to your primary surrogacy professional.
Now that you’ve completed the screening process, it’s time to start looking for the perfect match.
You might have already found the right match. In this case, you may only need one of our Virginia surrogacy attorneys, to help you complete the process. But if you haven’t already found the perfect intended parents or surrogate for your journey, there are two ways to find that match:
For this step, the intended parents and surrogate will each have their own Virginia surrogacy attorney to make sure their rights are represented and respected. You’ll each meet with your Virginia surrogacy lawyer individually to review the legal terms of the journey. After everyone agrees to the terms and each lawyer reviews and approves it, the contract can be signed and the embryo transfer process can begin.
Don’t have a second surrogacy attorney in Virginia in mind? We’ll refer you to local legal representatives whom we trust.
Now that your legal contract has been signed and executed, it’s time to get ready for the medical process. This will likely be handled by an agreed-upon fertility clinic.
During this step of the Virginia surrogacy process, the intended mother or the egg donor will start taking medication to help her develop eggs (if the intended parents don’t already have frozen embryos). Once the egg has been retrieved, it will be taken to the laboratory to be fertilized to create an embryo. After that’s done, it will \be transferred to the surrogate.
All of these details and more will be carefully and thoroughly outlined within the contract we help you to create.
The birth of the baby is an exciting day for everyone involved. The plan for the hospital stay should already be determined by now within your contract, and the intended parents commonly join the surrogate at the hospital. Once the baby is born and the surrogate is ready to leave the hospital, everyone can head home as they prepare for a new chapter in their lives. Depending on your relationship with one another, you might choose to stay in touch long after the Virginia surrogacy process is over.
We’ll guide everyone through the last legal requirements and ensure that the final steps are as smooth and stress-free
as possible so that you can focus on what’s important.
We know that you’ll probably have a lot of questions about the surrogacy process in Virginia. Here are a few answers that you should know about the legal side of the process.
Yes, but there are a few rules and regulations, as in any state. Some laws are restrictive, and there are regulations that must be followed before and after the baby is born. Since Virginia surrogacy law can get complicated, we recommend that you speak with a Virginia surrogacy lawyer for more information.
Traditional surrogacy is legal in Virginia, as long as all statutory restrictions are met. However, we (and most Virginia surrogacy professionals) will strongly urge you to consider gestational surrogacy instead. The traditional path involves increased legal and emotional risks for everyone involved.
No. In Virginia, it's illegal to receive base compensation as a surrogate. According to Virginia law, a surrogate's compensation is limited to medical and auxiliary expenses.
Ready to take the first step for your surrogacy in Virginia? Contact us now to get more information on how to get started.
“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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