Surrogacy Agency in Los Angeles, California

Because California has such straightforward surrogacy laws, it is frequently praised as one of the best states to use surrogacy to start a family. California’s surrogacy regulations are outlined in California Family Codes 7960–7962. Even though these laws might be easy to understand, it’s still crucial to speak with a qualified lawyer who can help you navigate your specific situation.

California’s surrogacy legislation states that both parties must retain independent legal counsel when establishing a surrogacy agreement or contract. A California surrogacy must also include the following:

• The contract’s execution date
• The donor egg, sperm, or embryo’s origin
• The intended parents’ identities
• The procedure for any required parentage orders

After the agreement has been finalized, signed, and notarized, the surrogacy transfer procedure can start. Though this process may seem straightforward, everyone’s situation is different, which can impact the legal process. Also, finding a lawyer equipped to handle surrogacy law can be challenging and time-consuming. Connecting you with a qualified surrogacy attorney is one of the many ways a surrogacy agency in Los Angeles can help facilitate your surrogacy journey.

Establishing Legal Parentage for a Surrogacy in Los Angeles, California

You must take further steps to establish the non-genetically related parent’s parental rights if you are in a same-sex relationship in which only one spouse will be genetically linked to the child. You can use three methods to establish legal parentage in California: parentage order, stepparent adoption, and second-parent adoption.

A parentage order is a legal process executed by your surrogacy attorney that can take effect either before or after your child’s birth. Parentage orders are the most common way to establish parentage. If you cannot obtain a parentage order, the rights of the non-genetically related parent can be protected by a stepparent adoption after your child’s birth.

Sometimes, same-sex partners in an unmarried relationship and second-parent adoption may be required for the non-genetically related partner to establish parental rights. This method is becoming less frequent due to the legalization of same-sex marriage.

To learn more about your legal options, consider speaking with a dedicated surrogacy lawyer. Each surrogacy case is unique and changes depending on the surrogate’s state of residency. Many intended parents consult a legal team affiliated with their surrogacy agency in Los Angeles, California. This legal team may be easily accessible through your agency and can ensure that your parental rights are upheld and protected.

Requirements to Become a Gestational Surrogate in Los Angeles

For many intended parents, a primary concern is finding a suitable surrogate match. A crucial element of surrogacy is surrogates and intended parents finding each other. Because agencies handle recruiting, screening, and distributing profiles, they facilitate surrogate matching.

When surrogacy agencies screen their applicants, they ensure that only those best suited for being gestational carriers for their clients move forward in the process. At Elevate, our Los Angeles surrogacy agency is highly selective in our screening processes. Ideal Elevate surrogates must meet the following requirements:

• Age 21 to 40
• Financially independent
• Generally healthy pregnancy and delivery histories
• Have a support system of family and friends
• Have given birth to at least once, but no more than five times
• Have reliable transportation
• Healthy BMI of 32 or below
• No more than three births via cesarean section
• No smoking/drug use
• Permanently reside in the United States in a surrogacy-friendly state

As an organization, Elevate adheres to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s standards (ASRM). The rules are in place to protect the health of both the surrogate and the fetus. Following an initial screening, prospective surrogates must also undergo evaluations to ensure they are mentally and physically fit enough to carry out the procedure and to get to know their personality.

Contact Our Los Angeles Surrogacy Agency 

Both intended parents and surrogates may find it exciting and rewarding to agree to surrogacy. With the help of surrogates, intending parents can expand their families while still being able to take part in the pregnancy. Making this journey as easy as possible requires finding a surrogacy agency in Los Angeles, California that you can rely on and feel at ease with.

You can count on our Los Angeles surrogacy agency to be there for you as you navigate the surrogacy process. We are a team of professionals who have been in your position and know how to match intended parents with their ideal surrogates. Elevate also has extensive experience working with high-profile clients, celebrities, and international clients.  Using our skills, we carefully select surrogates and help intended parents through every step of their journey. To find out more about how we can assist you with your journey, call us at (323) 933-8918 or fill out our contact form.