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Schedule A Confidential Consultation With Our Olympia Surrogacy Lawyer

At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Olympia surrogacy lawyer is a skilled, experienced, and compassionate advocate for families. As Washington’s premier law firm for family formation, our team is dedicated to helping people understand their rights and their options. If you have any specific questions or concerns about surrogacy, we are here to help. Contact us today for your confidential consultation with a top Olympia surrogacy law attorney.

Surrogacy: Defined

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a child on behalf of another person or another couple. In Olympia, surrogacy can be classified into the following two categories:

Traditional: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is biologically related to the child. The surrogate’s egg is fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm – meaning the surrogate is the genetic mother of the child. Traditional surrogacy is less common.
Gestational: Gestational surrogacy, by contrast, involves the implantation of an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. She is only the carrier.

An Overview Of Surrogacy Laws In Washington State

Are you entering into a surrogacy arrangement in Olympia or elsewhere in Thurston County? Whether you are the surrogate or the intended parent, it is crucial that you are aware of the general requirements set forth by Washington law (RCW 26.26A.710). Here are key considerations:

Compensated surrogacy is allowed: In Washington, compensated surrogacy is permitted. In other words, surrogates can receive financial compensation that goes beyond “reasonable expenses” when they enter a surrogacy agreement. Notably, this is a relatively recent change that allows surrogates to be paid for their time and effort.
Basic residency requirement: Washington does not impose a strict residency requirement for surrogacy contracts. With that being said, at least one party involved in the surrogacy agreement must be a resident of Washington. Alternatively, the surrogate must attend at least one medical consultation within the state.

Health and safety requirements for surrogates: Washington mandates that all surrogates must undergo comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations prior to entering into a surrogacy agreement. The surrogate must be between the ages of 21 and 44 and must have had at least one successful pregnancy.

A well-drafted surrogacy agreement is an absolute must. A comprehensive surrogacy agreement is crucial. It should outline each party’s rights, responsibilities, and expectations and cover all aspects of the relationship, including the legal, financial, and emotional considerations involved in the surrogacy.
All parties need independent legal counsel. Washington State law requires that all parties in a surrogacy arrangement must have independent legal counsel. Notably, the intended parties must pay for the independent legal representation of the surrogate.

How The Surrogacy Process In Olympia Typically Works

Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, is a family formation law firm committed to making the surrogacy process as easy and efficient as possible for our clients. Here is an overview of how surrogacy generally works in Olympia:

Consultation: The surrogacy process in Olympia begins with an initial consultation where intended parents and surrogates discuss their goals, expectations, and the legal framework involved. We work closely with our clients to develop the most effective plan.
Surrogacy agreement: After the consultation, a detailed surrogacy agreement is drafted to outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both the surrogate and the intended parents. You need a reliable surrogacy contract.

Negotiation and review: Both parties will need to review the surrogacy agreement. Our Olympia, Washington, surrogacy lawyer will facilitate negotiations.

Finalization: Once the surrogacy agreement has been thoroughly reviewed and agreed upon by all parties, it is finalized and signed. It then becomes legally enforceable
Medical and monitoring: Throughout the surrogacy journey, the surrogate undergoes regular medical monitoring to ensure the health and well-being of both her and the developing baby. These medical steps are critical to managing the pregnancy and addressing any potential complications.

Why Trust Olympia Surrogacy Lawyer Christina T. Sherman

Surrogacy is complicated. While it can be a wonderful process, there is also the potential for complications to arise. You need a top-rated surrogacy lawyer. For more than 20 years, Christina T. Sherman has dedicated her practice to the family formation line. We encourage you to review our success stories and client testimonials. As an Academy Fellow in the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), Attorney Sherman has extensive experience handling surrogacy cases in Washington state. We will put the time, resources, and attention to detail into your case. If you have any questions about surrogacy, our Olympia family formation lawyer can help.

Surrogacy In Olympia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do we need a surrogacy contract?
Yes. A contract is not only necessary to protect your rights, it is required by law. Indeed, a surrogacy contract (surrogacy agreement) is essential in Washington to outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved. It should be drafted by a top-tier Olympia surrogacy lawyer.

Is surrogacy open to LGBTQ+ couples in Washington state?
Yes. Washington state’s surrogacy laws are inclusive. The process is open to far more than just traditional opposite-sex married couples. LGBTQ+ couples are permitted to pursue surrogacy as a family-building option. It does not matter whether they are married or unmarried. Indeed, a single person can become a surrogate parent in Washington.

Should we consult with an Olympia surrogacy attorney?
Yes. Not only is the right Olympia surrogacy attorney a vital resource, but you are also required to be represented by a lawyer by law in Washington. Protect yourself: Speak to an experienced Olympia, Washington, surrogacy lawyer as early as possible in the process.

Contact Our Olympia, Washington, Surrogacy Lawyer For A Confidential Consultation

At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Olympia surrogacy attorney has the experience that you can rely on. Do you have questions about surrogacy? We are here as a legal resource. Contact us online today to set up your strictly confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. We provide surrogacy legal services in Olympia, Thurston County, and throughout the wider region.