American Surrogacy Blog

A specialized surrogacy attorney protects your parental rights and prevents costly legal problems down the road.

When you work with someone who truly understands surrogacy law, every detail of your gestational carrier agreement gets reviewed before your surrogate begins medical procedures.

Fill out our form to get personalized help connecting with experienced reproductive law attorneys in your state.

This guide walks through what these services include, when the review happens, and how we connect you with qualified surrogacy law attorneys.

How Surrogacy Contract Review Services Work for Intended Parents

Yes, there are services specifically for this. The important distinction: these services come from reproductive attorneys who specialize in this area of law, not from a surrogacy agency.

We connect you with qualified professionals, but an attorney handles all the drafting and review.

A surrogacy attorney drafts the gestational agreement from scratch, tailoring everything to a specific situation, applicable state laws, and individual circumstances.

Every clause gets reviewed, complex terms are explained in plain language, and negotiations happen on behalf of intended parents.

We’ve built relationships with reputable attorneys across the country who have years of experience with gestational agreements. The law varies considerably by state—that’s why we maintain these connections with professionals who know this field well.

Learn how we connect intended parents with qualified attorneys

Why Intended Parents Need Their Own Surrogacy Attorney

Independent representation protects intended parents in ways that really matter. The surrogate will have her own counsel looking out for her interests, and intended parents need someone just as committed to looking out for theirs.

This separation ensures both parties have the protection needed while keeping a healthy working relationship.

Counsel serves several critical functions. The drafted agreement establishes parental rights from the moment a child is born and covers compensation terms, medical decision-making authority, and contingency plans. Clients learn exactly what gets agreed to before signing anything, eliminating surprises later on.

How Surrogacy Laws Differ by State

What catches many people off guard: laws governing this process are really different depending on location.

Experienced local counsel understands these differences and structures agreements accordingly, explaining whether a state allows pre-birth parentage orders or requires adoption proceedings after a baby is born.

Professional contract review helps prevent disputes that could complicate things later. Clear terms prevent misunderstandings about money, medical decisions, or parental rights before they become problems.

Explore comprehensive legal guidance and resources

What to Expect During the Surrogacy Contract Review Process

Contract review starts after matching with a surrogate. By this point, both parties have completed initial screenings, met and connected, and now it’s time to make everything official before any medical procedures begin.

The timeline usually unfolds like this:

• Initial Draft (2-3 Weeks): An attorney puts together the agreement based on client needs and applicable state laws. This draft includes provisions about surrogate compensation, medical protocols, parental rights, and everyone’s responsibilities throughout the pregnancy and birth.
• Review Phase: Both intended parents and the surrogate work with separate attorneys to go through proposed terms. Counsel reviews every section and explains what it all means.
• Negotiation: Attorneys discuss any concerns or changes either party would like to see. This back-and-forth is normal and healthy. The surrogate’s counsel might ask for adjustments to compensation or delivery preferences. The intended parents’ representative might clarify medical decision-making protocols or insurance coverage.
• Finalization: Once revisions are made and everyone feels good about final terms, both parties sign. Most agencies and fertility clinics need this fully executed document before scheduling embryo transfer.

The whole process usually takes 4-8 weeks from start to finish. Complex situations sometimes push this out a bit. Working with experienced reproductive law professionals who understand this field helps keep things moving.

While eager to get started, this timeline can feel long, but it’s designed to protect everyone. Taking time to get the agreement right now prevents headaches later.

What’s Included in a Surrogacy Agreement

Gestational agreements cover a lot of ground. Familiarizing yourself with these key elements provides better preparation when sitting down with counsel.

Surrogate Compensation

Payment details and escrow agreements make up a big part of the agreement, covering base compensation, monthly allowances, and reimbursement for pregnancy-related expenses.

Payment schedules and provisions for complications appear here.

Medical decision-making authority

This clarifies who makes choices about prenatal care, delivery preferences, and medical interventions. The surrogate maintains autonomy over her own body, but the agreement lays out how communication about major decisions will happen.

Establishing Parental Rights in Your Surrogacy Contract

Arguably the most important part appears here. Intended parents hold full rights to a child from the moment of birth—the section makes this crystal clear.

How birth certificates with the intended parents’ names will be obtained gets spelled out exactly, along with whether a state allows pre-birth parentage orders or requires adoption proceedings.

How Insurance and Medical Costs Are Covered in Surrogacy

Considerable attention goes to verifying the surrogate’s health insurance covers pregnancy, planning for any gaps in coverage, and figuring out who’s responsible for medical bills if complications come up.

Many intended parents carry backup insurance specifically for related expenses.

Medical Decision-Making Rights in Surrogacy Agreements

These clauses cover scenarios nobody wants to think about but everyone needs to be prepared for.

Rather than creating conflict, they ensure everyone knows how difficult decisions would get handled if medical circumstances required them.

Under what circumstances would pregnancy termination be considered, if any? Who gets to make that call? How would a multiple pregnancy be handled if selective reduction becomes medically necessary?

Lifestyle and behavioral expectations

This rounds out the pregnancy provisions, covering prenatal vitamins, activity restrictions, substance avoidance, and medical appointment attendance.

Every detail matters because the agreement forms the foundation for everything that comes next.

How Your Surrogacy Agency Supports Contract Review

While we can’t provide legal services ourselves, we play an important support role during this phase.

Over the years, we’ve built relationships with reputable family-building law professionals across the country, and we connect intended parents with experienced attorneys who understand their state’s regulations.

Our team helps coordinate between intended parents, surrogates, and their respective attorneys—answering questions about our procedures, surrogate compensation processes, and medical protocols so attorneys can draft accurate documents.

With many intended parents having completed their journeys with us, we understand the common concerns that arise and can share what typically happens during the legal process.

Agency Support After Your Contract Is Signed

Throughout the process, intended parents will have a dedicated coordinator who knows the case and can answer non-legal questions about how different terms actually play out. Signing doesn’t end this support—it continues through delivery and establishing parentage.

Support from people who understand both the field and the emotional side makes a real difference. We’re here to help however we can.

Finding the Right Surrogacy Attorney for Your Contract

The right attorney makes a real difference in your surrogacy experience. A qualified reproductive law professional does more than draft documents—they become your advocate, protecting your family’s interests at every stage.

We’ve built a network of experienced family-building law attorneys across the United States who understand state-specific regulations and have years of experience with gestational agreements.

Fill out our form to get personalized help finding an experienced reproductive law attorney in your state.

What happens between you and your surrogate once your baby arrives? Some families become genuine friends and stay close for years. Some exchange holiday cards or occasional photos, then gradually lose touch. The rest say thank you, wish each other well, and move forward separately.

Surrogacy coordinators who understand these dynamics help you figure out what works for your situation. At American Surrogacy, we help families navigate these decisions without overthinking it.

Here’s what post-surrogacy relationships look like, how to keep communication straightforward, and what support you can expect from your agency.

Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist

Understanding Your Relationship with Your Surrogate After Birth

Talk to ten families who’ve been through surrogacy, and you’ll hear ten different stories. How you got along during pregnancy tells you something about what comes next. Connected and became friends? You’ll want to keep that going. More professional relationship? It tends to stay that way. But things shift. What seems right at delivery can look different six months later.

Early conversations with your coordinator about expectations prevent a lot of confusion and awkward moments. They also step in when your needs and your surrogate’s don’t quite align.

How Surrogacy Coordinators Support Post-Birth Relationships

Coordinators do more than logistics—they help with relationships, especially once your baby arrives.

Think of coordinators as neutral third parties who help you work through difficult conversations. Monthly photo updates? Holiday cards only? Annual visits? Having these conversations through your coordinator—or with their help—keeps things from getting awkward.

Sometimes your expectations don’t line up. You assume you’ll stay in touch and your surrogate needs space. Or she wants more contact than you can manage with a newborn.

Having someone in the middle who helps both sides understand each other? That makes a real difference.

At American Surrogacy, our coordinators stay available to help with these conversations, offer perspective, and make sure everyone’s comfortable. We see this ongoing support as part of our responsibility to both you and your surrogate.

Connect with a Coordinator Today

Healthy Communication and Boundaries

Staying in touch after birth works when everyone knows what to expect. But what sounds obvious to you might mean something completely different to your surrogate. Talking about it upfront saves confusion down the line.

Start by thinking about what would suit you. Do you want to share big milestones? Send photos every few months? Or do you need some privacy while you’re getting used to being parents? Your surrogate has preferences too.

While some love getting updates and watching the baby grow, others would rather step back and let your family bond independently. Finding common ground matters most.

When this conversation seems uncomfortable, your coordinator will get it started. They’ll also check in later to make sure everyone’s still on the same page. What works at first won’t necessarily work forever. Adjusting as you go is natural.

Choosing How to Stay Connected

Pick whichever communication method seems most natural. Some people text. Some email. Some send actual cards.

Whatever requires the least effort while still being genuine is probably your best option. Staying in touch should be enjoyable, not like another chore.

When Intended Parents and Surrogates Stay Connected Long-Term

The most meaningful post-surrogacy relationships? They happen when families stay close well beyond those first few months.

What Long-Term Relationships Look Like

What that looks like depends on the people involved. You send photos when your kid hits milestones. She sends a card at Christmas. You meet up for coffee when you’re in the same area, or she comes to birthday parties. Some families consider their surrogate an aunt or godmother.

These friendships work when both people want them, not because you sense an obligation. Trying to force a close relationship rarely goes well. But when it’s natural and both of you put in some effort? It can mean a lot—including to your kid someday when they’re old enough to understand their story.

Hear Surrogacy Success Stories

When Your Surrogate Prefers Limited or No Contact (and Why It’s Not Personal)

Many surrogates want space afterward. It doesn’t mean she regrets anything or doesn’t care about you—it means she’s ready to get back to her regular life.

Pregnancy takes over everything for nine months: appointments, physical changes, hormones, giving up foods and activities. Once the baby’s here, most surrogates want to focus on their own kids, get their body back to normal, and return to their routine. She’s prioritizing self-care.

Some surrogates find that staying in touch makes it harder to move forward emotionally. They need distance to process everything and close that chapter. It doesn’t diminish what she did—she just needs to handle it her own way.

Those bonding chemicals that happen during pregnancy don’t know you’re not keeping the baby. Some surrogates need space to let those feelings settle.

Your surrogate telling you she needs distance? Don’t take it personally. Her request is about her own emotional needs, not her feelings about you or your baby. The best response is respecting that and being grateful.

When It’s Time to Move On: Finding Closure

Not every surrogacy relationship lasts forever. Sometimes the right move is a sincere thank you and goodbye, then moving on with your lives.

People’s lives go in different directions. The closeness from pregnancy fades once everyone returns to normal routines.

You might prefer closing this chapter to focus on your own family, live too far apart for regular contact, or realize you don’t have much in common beyond the surrogacy experience.

Choosing closure doesn’t mean you failed or lack gratitude. You can deeply appreciate what she did without staying in each other’s lives permanently.

Not sure how to handle it? Your coordinator will help. They can set up a final conversation, coordinate exchanging notes or small gifts, or reassure you it’s acceptable to move on.

Some people want a formal goodbye meeting, while others prefer a heartfelt phone call or text. Whatever seems right for you both works.

Talk to a Coordinator About Your Situation

The Role of the Agency After Delivery

Our work at American Surrogacy extends well beyond delivery day. Coordinators stay available for questions, help with difficult conversations, and provide support while everyone adjusts to this transition.

Ongoing Support and Resources

Coordinators answer questions about what’s normal, help you work out boundaries, and give you an outside perspective when emotions are running high. Sometimes you need someone who understands these dynamics to tell you whether what you’re feeling makes sense.

We also connect families with resources that can help during this transition:

• Surrogacy-specialized therapists who understand the unique dynamics of these relationships
• Group sessions where you can process your experience with others
• Peer connections with families who’ve navigated similar situations

We usually check in at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months. These check-ins help us spot concerns early and ensure everyone’s doing well.

How to Talk to Your Coordinator About Post-Birth Expectations

Bring this up during pregnancy, ideally in your second trimester. That’s after you’ve gotten to know each other, but before the third trimester when everything gets more stressful. Gives everyone time to think without pressure.

Tell your coordinator what you’re hoping for regarding contact, and ask them to help you have that conversation with your surrogate. That way everyone knows what to expect before delivery.

Your coordinator can help with questions that seem awkward to bring up yourself:

• How often do you want to hear from each other?
• What’s the easiest way to stay in touch?
• Are you both comfortable meeting in person, or would you rather stick to digital communication?
• What happens when someone’s feelings change?

It could be a little uncomfortable at first. But having these conversations now beats dealing with hurt feelings or confusion after your baby’s here and everything’s more emotional.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Relationship Alone

Navigating your relationship with your surrogate involves unfamiliar territory for most people. Professional guidance makes this easier.

Our surrogacy specialists know how to facilitate tough conversations, help you set boundaries that work, and adjust when circumstances change.

Your surrogate did something significant for you. Finding the right way to acknowledge that—whether it’s staying close or parting ways with gratitude—is about being honest about what works.

Our coordinators help you navigate that in a way that respects everyone involved.

Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist

Here’s the thing: finding the right surrogate doesn’t have to feel impossible. When you work with the right agency and understand how matching really works, you can connect with a qualified surrogate in 1-4 months. It’s about knowing what slows things down—and avoiding those pitfalls.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how our pre-screened surrogates and balanced waitlists can help you become a parent faster

Let’s talk about why it is so hard to find a surrogate, what actually makes the difference between a quick match and a painfully long wait, and how we help families skip the frustrating parts.

Why is it So Hard to Match with a Surrogate?

There’s no single answer to why it is so hard to find a surrogate. The challenges of finding a surrogate really depend on which agency you choose and how they run things.

The biggest issue? Simple math. There are way more intended parents looking for surrogates than there are surrogates available.

At a lot of agencies, you’re joining a crowded waitlist where you’re competing with dozens of other hopeful families for the same small group of women.

But here’s what makes it worse: some agencies let you browse and pick surrogates who haven’t even finished screening yet. You might think you’re making progress, but then weeks later you find out she doesn’t qualify—and you’re back to square one after getting your hopes up.

Surrogates are in high demand, but the real question isn’t whether surrogates exist—it’s whether the ones you’re seeing are actually ready to go.

The Surrogate Screening Process—and Why Timing Matters

Understanding the surrogate screening process helps explain why timing matters so much when you’re trying to match with a surrogate. Here’s what real screening looks like:

• Step 1: Initial Basic Screening (ASRM Guidelines): Making sure she meets the basic health, age, and pregnancy history requirements.
• Step 2: Social Questionnaire, Interviews, and Home Assessment: Deep-dive conversations about her life, support system, and why she wants to do this. We visit her home to make sure everything’s stable.
• Step 3: Past Pregnancy Medical Records Review: We look at records from her previous pregnancies to catch any red flags.
• Step 4: Criminal and Background Checks: Everyone’s safety matters—we do thorough background screening.
• Step 5: Psychological Testing and Counseling: A licensed professional makes sure she’s emotionally ready and understands what’s ahead.
• Step 6: Intended Parents’ Clinic Review: Your fertility doctor does their own final medical check based on their specific requirements.

Here’s where other agencies mess up: they let you pick someone after just Step 1, then do the rest of the screening after you’ve already chosen her. Imagine connecting with someone perfect, only to learn weeks later she doesn’t actually qualify. Talk about heartbreaking.

We do things differently. Our surrogates finish Steps 1-5 before you ever see them. So when you’re looking at potential matches, you know she’s truly qualified and ready.

Why Matches Fall Through

Even when you think you’ve found her, things can still fall apart. Here’s why.

Bad screening is usually the culprit. When agencies don’t properly vet surrogates upfront, problems pop up later—medical issues, psych concerns, background problems that should’ve been caught from the start.

Every failed match means starting over and losing months.

Sometimes surrogates drop out, especially if they weren’t really ready to begin with.

Some women start the process without fully understanding how demanding it is. Others have unexpected life stuff come up. When the screening isn’t thorough enough to spot low commitment, more people bail.

And if you try finding a surrogate on your own without an agency? You’re risking scams. Some people actually pretend to be surrogates just to take money from desperate families. An agency protects you from that nightmare.

Becoming a parent faster means avoiding these problems before they happen.

How Agencies Manage Waitlists and Matching

Not all agencies handle waitlists the same way, and this makes a huge difference in how long it takes to find a surrogate.

Some agencies pack their intended parent lists way too full. You’re waiting behind dozens of other families for just a handful of available surrogates. Even if you’re perfect candidates, you could wait months or years simply because others got there first.

We don’t do that. We keep a 1:1 intended parent to surrogate ratio—meaning we’re not bringing in more families than we can actually match. No massive waitlist. No brutal competition.

Our marketing and outreach also sets us apart. We actively recruit qualified surrogates nationwide, which means way more potential matches for you.

This whole system is why intended parents experience the shortest wait times with us. We built everything around cutting out unnecessary delays without sacrificing quality.

How Long Does it Take to Find a Surrogate?

Families find a match within an average of 1–4 months when they work with us. That’s because we maintain a large pool of pre-screened, qualified surrogates and keep our intended parent and surrogate lists balanced.

You’re not competing with hundreds of other families—or wasting time reviewing profiles of women who might not even qualify. Every surrogate you see has already passed medical and psychological screening and is ready to match.

Other agencies often skip pre-screening or overload their waitlists. The result? Long delays, broken matches, and months (or even years) of waiting. Those setbacks can be emotionally exhausting and completely avoidable.

The difference between a 2-month match and a 12-month wait often comes down to one thing—choosing an agency with the right system. At American Surrogacy, that system is already working for families like yours.

How American Surrogacy Supports Intended Parents

You deserve a partner who gets what’s at stake. We know every month of waiting feels eternal when you’re ready for your family.

We help you create a profile that really connects with surrogates—showing who you are, what you value, what makes your family special. A strong profile leads to better, faster matches.

We also offer unlimited matching at no extra cost through our full-service programs. If a match doesn’t work out for any reason, you won’t pay again. That peace of mind matters.

What if finding a surrogate didn’t have to be the hardest part? With the right support, pre-screening, and approach, it doesn’t have to be.

Schedule a consultation today and let us show you exactly how we’ll help you match with a qualified surrogate faster than you thought possible.

The surrogacy contract timeline typically ranges about 1–2 months, but with the right legal team and agency support, it moves faster and feels easier than most people expect

At American Surrogacy, we partner with trusted surrogacy attorneys who know how to keep your contract timeline on track and your journey protected from start to finish.

Schedule a consultation today to get connected with experienced legal professionals who will guide you through every detail.

Because the legal process isn’t just paperwork — it’s what safeguards everyone involved and ensures that every expectation, decision, and right is clearly defined. Here’s what really happens during this stage.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Legal Process Typically Take?

Most contracts go from first draft to signed and done in about 1-2 months. But here’s the thing: your journey is unique, and your situation might speed that up or stretch it out a bit.

A few things affect how long it takes:

• Your state’s laws – Some states make surrogacy contracts pretty straightforward. Others? Not so much.
• Getting attorneys scheduled – You and your surrogate both need your own lawyers, and coordinating everyone’s calendars takes time.
• How much back-and-forth happens – If either side wants to tweak the terms, you’ll need extra rounds of review.
• Pre-birth order stuff – Depending on where you live, getting your parental rights sorted before birth adds another layer.

When you work with an experienced agency like American Surrogacy, we keep everything moving so you don’t get stuck waiting.

Curious about the surrogacy timeline? Get the whole picture.

Surrogacy Contract Timeline: Step-by-Step Breakdown

So what actually happens during those 1-2 months? Those circumstances we mentioned above will dictate how it will actually play out but here’s how it could go:

• Step 1: Contact Your Attorney: You and your surrogate each get your own lawyer who specializes in reproductive law. This keeps everything fair—each side has someone looking out for their best interests.
• Step 2: Draft a Surrogacy Contract: Your attorney writes up the first version. It covers everything from compensation to medical expectations to who makes what decisions during pregnancy.
• Step 3: Negotiate (If Needed): Your surrogate’s attorney reviews it and might ask for changes. Most contracts need 2-3 rounds of edits before everyone’s happy with the terms.
• Step 4: Sign the Contract: Once it’s perfect, everyone signs. Now you’ve got a legally binding agreement that protects you both.
• Step 5: Complete a Pre-Birth Order (If Possible): In surrogacy-friendly states, your lawyer can file paperwork that establishes you as the legal parents before your baby’s even born. Pretty huge.

What Happens During Legal Contract Negotiation?

Negotiation might sound intimidating — but it’s actually a straightforward, supportive process. Here’s how it works:

1. Everyone Has Their Own Attorney

You’ll have your attorney, and your surrogate will have hers. This separation protects both of you by keeping things fair and avoiding any conflicts of interest.

2. You’ll Cover the Important Topics

Most of the discussion focuses on three key areas:

• Money and expenses: Your surrogate’s compensation, monthly allowances, and all pregnancy-related costs.
• Medical expectations: Procedures, prenatal care, and delivery preferences.
• Rights and responsibilities: Who makes decisions during pregnancy, how often you’ll communicate, and whether you’ll stay in touch after birth.

3. Your Agency Keeps Everything Moving

American Surrogacy coordinates communication between you, your surrogate, and both legal teams. We help clarify details, resolve confusion, and make sure every step feels smooth and collaborative.

The goal isn’t just to sign an agreement — it’s to make sure everyone feels confident, protected, and ready to move forward together.

What Can Affect the Speed of the Surrogacy Contract Timeline?

Even with a great team, some factors can stretch your surrogacy contract timeline a bit. Here’s what to expect — and why it’s all worth taking the time to get right.

1. More Negotiation Than Expected

If one side wants bigger adjustments or has concerns about certain contract terms, there may be extra back-and-forth.

It can add a few weeks, but that careful review ensures everyone feels comfortable and protected before moving forward.

2. State-Specific Legal Requirements

Where you live matters. Surrogacy-friendly states like California usually move faster, while states with newer or less defined surrogacy laws might require additional paperwork or even court filings.

Knowing your state’s legal process helps you plan ahead.

3. Attorney Availability

Each legal team needs time to review documents, meet with their clients, and coordinate with one another.

When attorneys are managing multiple cases, timelines can slow slightly — but your agency helps keep communication on track.

4. Complex Situations

If your journey involves egg or sperm donors, nontraditional parental rights, or international arrangements, your contract will need additional legal provisions to make sure everything is airtight.

No matter what your situation looks like, the key is working with professionals who’ve seen it all — and know how to keep your surrogacy contract moving smoothly toward embryo transfer.

How Your Surrogacy Agency Supports the Legal Process

Here’s what makes American Surrogacy different: you never do this alone. We’ve walked thousands of intended parents through this, and we know exactly how to make it work.

From day one of the contract process, we:

• Connect you with top reproductive attorneys who know surrogacy law inside and out
• Coordinate between everyone so you, your surrogate, and both legal teams stay in sync
• Make sure you get it so there’s zero confusion about your rights, responsibilities, and protections
• Stay available whenever you’ve got questions or concerns

Connect With Surrogacy Legal Experts Through Our Agency Today

The contract phase isn’t just another step — it’s what makes the rest of your surrogacy journey possible.

With experienced attorneys and an agency that knows how to guide the process, these 1–2 months protect everyone involved and lay the foundation for a smooth path toward embryo transfer and parenthood.

American Surrogacy partners with trusted legal professionals, including firms like Foster + Bloom, to connect you with attorneys who understand the unique details of surrogacy law.

Start your surrogacy journey with confidence

Fill out our simple form today to begin building your family with a team that supports you every step of the way.

Even if surrogacy isn’t allowed where you live, you can still grow your family by working with a surrogate in another state.

With the help of an experienced agency, the legal process, medical coordination, and emotional support are all handled for you, no matter where you live.

Ready to explore your options? Fill out our simple formto take the first step toward matching with a surrogate quickly.

Yes, You Can Work with a Surrogate in Another State

Living in a state with restrictive or unclear surrogacy laws doesn’t mean you can’t grow your family through surrogacy.

Surrogacy agencies like ours work with surrogates across the country and help intended parents find a match in a state where surrogacy is permitted and legally supported.

When surrogacy takes place across state lines, each party will have their own attorney familiar with the surrogacy laws in their respective states. This helps ensure everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and protected throughout the process.

With the right legal guidance and agency support, working with a surrogate in another state can be a smooth and secure experience.

In What States is Surrogacy Illegal or Restricted?

Knowing which states make surrogacy difficult helps you understand why finding an out of state surrogate might be your best move.

There are a few states that either ban or restrict compensated surrogacy:

States Where Surrogacy is Banned

Louisiana is the on only state the legally bans compensated surrogacy. Entering into a paid surrogacy contract can result in criminal penalties.

Because of this, we do not work with surrogates in Louisiana, but we can match you with surrogates in a surrogacy-friendly state.

States That are Not Surrogacy-Friendly

In some states, surrogacy is not illegal, but compensated surrogacy contracts are void and enforceable.

Nebraska: Due to Nebraska’s complex surrogacy laws, we don’t work with surrogates in this state.

Arizona and Indiana: We do not match surrogates and intended parents in these states with each other.

For intended parents in these states, we usually match you with surrogates in states that allow compensated surrogacy where your rights are protected from day one.

If you’re in any of these states, finding a surrogate in another state isn’t just an option, it’s often the smartest path forward.

How We Can Help You Find a Surrogate in Another State

Connecting intended parents with qualified surrogates is what agencies do—and it matters even more when you’re looking across state lines.

We have a nationwide network of pre-screened surrogates in surrogacy-friendly states. You won’t have to figure out how to find a surrogate on your own in a different state with different laws.

Here’s what we offer:

• Personalized matching: We take the time to understand your values, background, and family goals, then match you with a surrogate who truly aligns with your preferences.
• Comprehensive screening: Every surrogate in our program has already completed medical, psychological, and background evaluations, so you can move forward with confidence.
• Full coordination and support: From clinic communication to legal steps and surrogate compensation, our team helps manage every part of the process to keep your journey organized and stress-free.

What if the most important decision you make this year started with just one conversation? Contact us online and see how we can match you with the right surrogate.

Best States for Surrogacy (and Why They Matter)

Not every state approaches surrogacy the same way. While surrogacy is permitted in most states, some have clearer laws that outline the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved.

These include:

• California: Widely considered the national standard for surrogacy. Allows pre-birth orders, recognizes all types of parents (including LGBTQ+ couples and single parents), and has long-standing laws that support surrogacy.
• Illinois: Offers strong legal protections. Parents can obtain pre-birth orders, and parentage is recognized even when there’s no genetic connection to the child.
• Nevada, Colorado, and Washington: Known for clear, inclusive surrogacy laws and straightforward legal processes that protect everyone involved.

Learn more about your state’s surrogacy laws today.

Why this matters

When your surrogate lives in a state with well-defined surrogacy laws, the legal process tends to be more predictable and your parental rights are better protected.

You’ll also work with attorneys familiar with that state’s system, and in many cases, you can secure legal parentage before your baby is born — offering valuable peace of mind.

How the Legal Process Works Across State Lines

One of the biggest questions people have about working with an out of state surrogate is: how does the legal side even work?

Good news—when you work with an experienced agency, doing surrogacy across state lines is pretty straightforward.

Here’s how it generally works:

You’ll work with attorneys experienced in surrogacy law to create a contract that reflects everyone’s rights and responsibilities.

In many surrogacy-friendly states, the legal process includes a court order (often called a parentage order) that establishes you as the baby’s legal parents — sometimes even before birth.

Your surrogacy specialist and attorney will coordinate with professionals in both states to make sure the process complies with all applicable laws and that your parental rights are properly recognized.

Bottom line: Even if your home state’s surrogacy laws are restrictive or unclear, it’s often possible to move forward safely by working with qualified professionals who understand interstate surrogacy.

Why Working with an Agency Matters Even More in This Situation

Surrogacy is complicated—medical coordination, legal contracts, finances, emotional support. Add in crossing state lines and it gets even more complex. That’s why working with an experienced agency is so valuable.

Here’s what we do:

• Fast matching: We can help you find a qualified surrogate in another state in just a few months instead of you spending years searching alone.
• Legal help: We connect you with lawyers who specialize in your surrogate’s state laws, so your contracts work and your rights are protected.
• Financial protection: Our escrow services and transparent processes protect both you and your surrogate.
• Day-to-day coordination: From medical appointments to keeping communication flowing, we handle the logistics that can get overwhelming when you’re managing everything across state lines.
• Peace of mind: Our team has helped thousands of families in your exact situation.

Next Steps: Find an Out-of-State Surrogate Today

If surrogacy isn’t legal where you live, you have options, and they’re more doable than you might think.

Working with a surrogate in another state is a real path to parenthood for people living in states with tough surrogacy laws. Your dream of becoming parents doesn’t have to wait.

Get the support you deserve today to start your out-of-state surrogacy journey.

There are ways to spend less on surrogacy—but here’s the thing: cutting corners on the important stuff can actually put your whole journey at risk.

The real trick isn’t finding the cheapest option out there. It’s knowing where to invest smartly so you don’t waste time, money, or your peace of mind.

Speak with a specialist who can show you the smartest path forward—not just the cheapest one.

Let’s talk about what surrogacy actually costs, the sneaky expenses that come with “bargain” options, and how the right financing can make this way more doable than you think.

Are There Cheaper Ways to Do Surrogacy?

Sure, there are cheaper ways to do surrogacy. But cheaper doesn’t always mean better—or even less expensive when everything’s said and done.

Surrogacy costs what it does for a reason. Every dollar goes toward things that actually matter: making sure your surrogate is healthy and ready, protecting you legally, keeping everything organized, and supporting you through what’s honestly one of the most complicated things you’ll ever do.

When you see agencies advertising way lower prices, it usually means they’ve cut out some of these services.

That might save you money at first, but it often leads to longer waits, matches that fall through, surprise legal bills, or medical issues—and all of that ends up costing you more than what you saved.

So the real question isn’t “How do I make surrogacy cheaper?” It’s “How do I do this smartly so I don’t end up paying twice?”

The Real Costs You Can’t Cut — and Why They Matter

No matter what, there are some expenses you just have to plan for. These aren’t optional—they’re what makes surrogacy safe and legal:

• IVF and Creating Embryos: You need IVF to create embryos for gestational surrogacy. This includes medications, egg retrieval, sperm collection (or donor sperm), and transferring embryos to your surrogate.
• Egg or Sperm Donation (If You Need It): If you’re using donor eggs or sperm, you’ll pay for donor compensation, medical screening, and the legal paperwork.
• Paying Your Surrogate: Your surrogate deserves fair compensation for carrying your baby, plus all her pregnancy-related medical care, maternity clothes, travel to appointments, and lost wages if complications come up.
• Legal Fees: You absolutely need a lawyer to write up contracts, establish your parental rights, and handle your state’s specific laws. Skip this and you could end up in a custody nightmare.
• Insurance: Your surrogate needs insurance that covers surrogacy. Pregnancy complications can get expensive fast, and without the right coverage, you could be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Travel and Baby Costs: You’ll travel for the birth and might need to stay for weeks while you establish parental rights. Plus, you need all the newborn basics—car seat, clothes, doctor visits.

These aren’t extras. They’re the foundation. Trying to save money here can mess up your whole journey.

Why “Cheaper” Surrogacy Can End Up Costing More

Lower prices look great when you’re already stressed about money. But “affordable” surrogacy usually comes with costs that pop up later—sometimes when it’s too late to fix them.

Here’s what you’re really risking:

Why Low-Cost Surrogacy Agencies Can Cost You More

Some agencies advertise “no upfront costs” or super low fees. Sounds great, right? Until you realize what you’re not getting.

Low-cost agencies often skip important steps like thorough surrogate screening. You might match with someone who isn’t actually ready—medically, mentally, or legally.

When that match fails, you start over. You pay for marketing, screening, and legal work all over again.

Many low cost surrogacy agency options also give you minimal support, so you’re mostly on your own coordinating appointments, legal stuff, and communication.

Then there are the surprise fees. Some agencies don’t tell you about certain costs upfront.

Suddenly you’re hit with legal bills, insurance gaps, or surrogate expenses that weren’t in your original contract. What looked cheap at the start ends up costing more—plus you’ve lost months of time.

Surrogacy Without an Agency: How the Costs Add Up

Going independent—doing it yourself—can seem like a money-saver. If you already know someone who’ll carry your baby, why pay an agency?

Here’s why: DIY surrogacy removes all the safety nets. Without professional screening, you don’t really know if your surrogate is ready.

Without legal help from day one, you’re wide open to custody fights or money disputes. And without case management, you’re juggling every appointment, legal step, and insurance detail yourself.

Independent surrogacy usually takes way longer because you don’t have an agency’s marketing and matching help. A lot of intended parents spend months—even years—trying to find and vet someone on their own.

If you do have a surrogate already, we can help. Our independent surrogacy program lets you bring her in and we’ll handle screening, legal support, and case management. We even do a free initial screening to make sure your match is set up right.

What You Actually Get When You Invest in a Full-Service Agency

When you work with a full-service agency, you’re not just paying for a service, you’re paying for a whole system that makes your journey safer, faster, and way more likely to succeed.

Here’s what you’re really getting:

• Surrogate Screening: Good agencies screen thoroughly—medical history, psychological readiness, finances, legal stuff—before a surrogate even gets to you. This cuts down on failed matches, medical problems, and legal drama.
• Finding Your Match: Finding a qualified surrogate takes time and know-how. Agencies recruit, vet, and present matches based on what you want and need—something you’d have to do totally alone otherwise.
• Legal Protection: Professional legal teams write contracts, establish your parental rights, and handle your state’s laws. This isn’t just paperwork. It’s what keeps you safe from custody battles and financial fights.
• Case Management: Someone coordinates medical appointments, manages surrogate expenses, and fixes problems when they come up. They’re your advocates and guides through every step.

These aren’t “extras.” They’re what makes the difference between a smooth journey and one full of expensive delays and heartbreak.

How Full-Service Agencies Protect Your Finances

The right agency doesn’t just spend your money—they protect it.

At American Surrogacy, we screen every surrogate hard before we ever introduce her to you.

That means you’re only matching with people who’ve already passed medical, psychological, and legal checks. Fewer failed matches mean fewer do-overs.

Fewer do-overs mean you’re not paying twice.

Our Limited Risk Program gives you financial protection. If a match falls through for covered reasons, we’ll match you again at no extra cost. That eliminates one of the scariest parts: starting over and losing everything you already paid.

Think about it this way—you’re not just paying for a surrogate. You’re paying for confidence that your journey won’t blow up halfway through.

Surrogacy Financing Options that Support Your Budget

Surrogacy is expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are several surrogacy financing options that can help:

• Fertility Loans: We partner with Sunfish, a company that does loans specifically for surrogacy and IVF. They offer payment plans based on your situation.
• Grants: Some organizations give grants to intended parents pursuing surrogacy. You don’t have to pay these back.
• Employer Benefits: More companies are covering fertility stuff, including surrogacy. Check with HR.
• Personal Loans: Some families use personal loans or credit lines for upfront costs, then pay them back over time.
• 401(k) Money: If you have retirement savings, you might be able to borrow from your 401(k) or take a hardship withdrawal.

Make Surrogacy Secure and Successful with American Surrogacy’s Full-Service Approach

There are always cheaper ways to do surrogacy—but the real value comes from doing it safely and confidently. With American Surrogacy, your investment goes toward protection, not risk.

Ready to stop worrying and start moving forward? Get started with American Surrogacy today.

We’ve helped thousands of families do this successfully—and we’re ready to help you too.