There are so many facets of the surrogacy process and it can be overwhelming at times. At The Surrogacy Experience we will walk you through every single step. At a high level there are some key components that should be taken into consideration: The Relationship The relationship between you and your Intended Parents is the foundation of your personal surrogacy experience. Developing a clear understanding of your expectations for the relationship and sharing your values and beliefs will create a good foundation to build upon. Being candid and honest with your agency and Intended Parents is essential. This will help to create mutual respect and understanding for how you move forward together. The Surrogacy Experience believes in mutual matching and presents you with Intended Parents that share your expectations for compatibility, which will allow you to explore your needs openly.
The Agency Working with the right surrogacy agency is imperative in guiding you through the surrogacy journey. A do-it-yourself approach only adds legal risk and anxiety to an already complex process. Every agency’s approach is different. We recommend choosing a qualified agency that fits your personal requirements and expectations. Consider how the agency pre-screens its surrogates and the level of support it provides throughout the process. Research how it will manage insurance coverage and financial transactions, how it will arrange proper legal representation and whether the agency is financially stable. Most importantly, ask for referrals or references from clients who have worked with the agency. At The Surrogacy Experience we are an open book and will gladly provide you references from past Gestational Carriers, Intended Parents, as well as fertility clinics and other network partners.
The Law The laws governing gestational surrogacy vary by state, country and sexual orientation. Together, you and your Intended Parents will approach the process with unique circumstances that dictate how legal representation should be handled. Having a basic understanding of the current laws governing surrogacy is helpful. Retaining legal representation dedicated to preparing your agreement with your Intended Parents in a way that protects your health and interests is crucial. Also knowing what you and your spouse/partner's obligations are when the time comes for the Intended Parents to file the Declaration of Parentage order is important. Will you be required to appear in court; what documents are you required to sign; will your name ever appear on the birth certificate; all of these are important questions and TSE will provide you with respectable attorneys who specialize in this field. The Experience Before you decide to embark on the surrogacy journey, it helps to understand in broad terms what to expect. Important considerations include the medical procedures that will be required, the pregnancy timeline, travel considerations, the delivery plan and post-delivery relationship. Knowing the steps in the process and the different variables will provide you and your family comfort. Sometimes it is the not knowing what to know, that can be hard. TSE has personal experience from both the Gestational Carrier and Intended Parent point of view to help you navigate this unique way to create a family.