Seattle’s Surrogacy Attorney

Surrogacy is a miracle, but it’s one fraught with legal challenges. At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Seattle surrogacy attorney has helped many people navigate the legal complexities of surrogacy. Call our firm to schedule an appointment if you are thinking of becoming a surrogate or want to use a surrogate’s services. Christina T. Sherman is a member of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and helps clients in Seattle.

What Services Does Our Seattle Surrogacy Attorney Provide?

Our firm assists clients with:

• Reviewing Washington law to determine any limitations on surrogacy and ensure meet state-level requirements. Not everyone can serve as a surrogate or even use surrogacy to become a parent.
• Drafting enforceable surrogacy contracts. The contract you need will depend on the type of assisted reproduction technology you use, but all contracts should clearly lay out rights and obligations for the parties involved.
• Negotiating a surrogacy contract with all relevant parties and addressing concerns in an upfront manner. You need an IVF contract attorney in Seattle, Washington, who understands the different provisions to include in a contract.
• Establishing a pre-birth parentage order for any intended parent or a post-birth order for a genetic surrogacy.

Closer Look At Surrogacy Contracts

Attorney Sherman can negotiate and draft many types of surrogacy contracts. These legal documents are essential for avoiding problems during or after gestation. The right contract provides security for the intended parents, as well as for the surrogate.

IVF Contracts

With vitro fertilization (IVF), an egg is fertilized before being implanted inside the surrogate. A contract should address the rights and duties of the intended parents, as well as the egg or sperm donors and the medical facility involved. Key issues involve disposition of embryos, as well as legal liability for accidental destruction of embryos. A Seattle IVF lawyer is indispensable when creating a solid contract.

Donor Agreements

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) often involves egg or sperm donors. A donor agreement should spell out the rights and obligations of donors and recipients. A key issue is the parental rights of the donor. Other considerations for donor agreements include confidentiality and compensation. Speak with a Seattle donor agreement attorney before starting down this path.

Genetic Surrogacy Agreements

When a surrogate mother uses her own eggs, then a genetic surrogacy contract is needed. As with other contracts, careful consideration must be given to the issues of compensation and confidentiality, as well as the genetic surrogate’s parental rights. For example, one consideration is whether the surrogate will have ongoing contact with the child. Our Seattle ART attorney can ensure your agreement covers the necessary bases, including a post-birth parentage order.

Gestational Surrogacy Agreements

When a surrogate is not genetically related to the embryo she carries, then a gestational surrogacy agreement is needed. This document should address the rights of the intended parents, as well as the surrogate, who lacks a genetic connection to the child. We typically include a pre-birth parentage order in a gestational surrogacy agreement, which is enforceable if it complies with the law.

Steps In Creating A Surrogacy Contract

Please reach out to our firm to begin the planning. An overview of the steps is provided below:

1. Initial consultation. Our Seattle ART attorney wants to know more about your goals as a surrogate or as intended parents. You probably have many questions or concerns, which we can address.
2. Contract drafting. Our Seattle surrogacy attorney can draft a comprehensive contract for your legal needs. The contract should cover all relevant considerations, including confidentiality, compensation, risk allocation, and contingencies.
3. Negotiation. Both sides should have their own legal counsel. We can send a contract to the other side for review and revision. Common issues up for negotiation include surrogate compensation. We must address these issues and reach agreement before finalizing the contract.
4. Contract execution. Each side should sign the contract and have it notarized.

Once you have a contract in place, you can begin the medical procedures and make payment to the surrogate.

Surrogacy Requirements In Washington

Washington regulates surrogacy. Indeed, there are detailed regulations which limit who can become a surrogate or use a surrogate. Our law office can help anyone check that they meet the qualifications.

As spelled out in RCW 26.26A.705, requirements include:

1. A surrogate must have given birth to at least one child but cannot have given birth to more than two children through surrogacy agreements.
2. A surrogate, as well as intended parents, must all be at least 21 years of age.
3. At least one party must be a resident of Washington.
4. Surrogates and intended parents must undergo medical and mental health evaluations to ensure suitability.
5. The intended parents and the surrogate should obtain independent legal counsel.

Compensation for surrogacy is legal in Washington. This development has made surrogacy more attractive to many women. Intended parents can compensate a surrogate for many expenses, including:

• Monthly housekeeping budget
• Medical expenses
• Maternity clothing expenses
• Medical insurance
• Term life insurance
• Independent legal counsel
• Psychological counseling
• Monthly allowance
• Embryo transfer compensation
• Lost wages or income (if applicable)
• Medical care travel expenses

Why Should You Choose Christina T. Sherman?

Anyone interested in surrogacy should contact Attorney Sherman to discuss their goals. Christina has a depth of experience that few attorneys in the Northwest can match. She has helped both intended parents and surrogates access the benefits of ART.

A fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), Christina has helped many families over the past decade. The AAAA is the premier non-profit committed to protecting the ethical practice of assisted reproduction law, as well as adoption. AAAA members are selected only after an extended review process and must uphold the highest ethical and legal standards in their field.

By choosing Christina T. Sherman, you are ensuring that you obtain expert legal advice and can enter your surrogacy journey with confidence. Our office stays in contact with clients throughout the entire process, and we can address any bumps in the road.

Schedule A Meeting With A Surrogacy Adoption Lawyer in Seattle, Washington

Schedule a meeting with an experienced surrogacy adoption lawyer in Seattle, Washington. Start your surrogacy journey off on the right foot by reaching out to Christina T. Sherman, PLLC. We are here to provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation. Call us at 253-466-2775 to get started.

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