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Get Help From Our Spokane Surrogacy Attorney Today

At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Spokane surrogacy attorney has the professional legal knowledge that you can trust. With extensive experience handling a wide range of surrogacy cases, we are proud to be the region’s premier family formation law firm. You do not have to figure out the entire process on your own. If you have any questions about surrogacy, we can help. Contact our Spokane surrogacy lawyer for a fully confidential, no-commitment initial consultation.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a family-building method where a woman – known as a surrogate – carries a child for those who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. There are two broad categories of surrogacy that are used in Spokane:

Traditional: Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate mother using her own egg, fertilized by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. In other words, the surrogate is both the genetic and gestational mother.
Gestational: With more reproductive technology, gestational surrogacy is far more common. An embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm. It is implanted into the surrogate. The surrogate has no genetic tie to the child.

Understanding The Surrogacy Laws In Washington

The United States does not have federal surrogacy laws. These are state-based matters. Washington is one of the most surrogacy-friendly jurisdictions in the country. Still, RCW 26.26A.710 sets strict requirements that a surrogacy agreement must satisfy to be valid. Here are key points to know:

Compensated surrogacy is permitted: As recently as a few years ago, Washington only allowed “altruistic” surrogacy. However, the law was reformed. Fully compensated surrogacy agreements are permitted in Washington. The surrogate can be compensated for more than just “reasonable expenses.” They can be paid for their time and effort.
One-party residency/one medical consultation: For a surrogacy agreement to be regulated by state law, either the surrogate or at least one of the intended parents must generally reside in the state. However, if there is one pregnancy-related medical consultation in the state, that can satisfy the requirement.

Surrogate must meet medical standards: The surrogate must meet specific medical standards before entering into a surrogacy agreement. It ensures her health and capability to carry a pregnancy. Notably, the surrogate must be at least 21 years of age, and she must have had at least one prior successful pregnancy.

Surrogacy agreement must be properly drafted: A surrogacy agreement in Washington should be carefully drafted to comply with state laws. Parties also need a well-written agreement that effectively protects their rights and their interests. A top-tier Spokane, Washington, surrogacy attorney can help.
Both parties must have independent legal counsel. State law requires that both the surrogate and the intended parents have independent legal counsel to ensure that their rights are fully protected. As a general rule, the intended parents will cover the cost of the independent legal counsel for the surrogate.

An Overview Of The Surrogacy Process In Spokane

We are focused on helping clients in Spokane navigate and manage the surrogacy process in the most effective manner possible. Here are key things to understand about how the process works:

Initial consultation (planning): Planning comes first. A well-considered plan can make the process a lot less stressful. Our Spokane surrogacy lawyer is prepared to sit down with you, answer your questions, and help you determine what comes next.
The surrogacy agreement: The surrogacy agreement serves as the foundation for the surrogacy arrangement. It details everything from compensation to parental rights to medical decisions. We are prepared to draft the surrogacy agreement.

Negotiation/review: The agreement should be reviewed and negotiated. Our Spokane, WA surrogacy lawyer can help you determine the best course of action.

Finalization of the agreement: Once the terms of the surrogate agreement are in place, it must be signed and finalized. It will become legally binding.
Medical and pregnancy monitoring: When an agreement is in place, the surrogacy process can move forward – including things like IVF and embryo transfer. Medical monitoring throughout the pregnancy is a must.

You Can Trust Spokane Surrogacy Lawyer Christina T. Sherman

As rewarding as it can be, surrogacy can also be a complicated, confusing, and at times even stressful process. With so much at stake, it is imperative that you have top-tier legal representation. Our founder and principal attorney, Christina T. Sherman, has more than two decades of family formation experience. Indeed, family formation is our exclusive practice area. She is an Academy Fellow in the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA). We encourage you to review our success stories, client testimonials, and to reach out to our Spokane, Washington, surrogacy lawyer directly with any specific questions or concerns about your case.

Surrogacy In Spokane: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a surrogacy contract, and is it required?
Broadly explained, a surrogacy contract is a legal agreement that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both the surrogate and intended parents. It is required in Washington state to ensure legal clarity and protection for all parties. The agreement should be drafted by a lawyer.

Do you have to be a married couple to become a parent through surrogacy in Spokane?
No. In 2017, Washington reformed its surrogacy laws to make them more accessible for all types of families. You do not need to be part of a married couple to become a parent through surrogacy. In Spokane, surrogacy is open to married couples, unmarried couples, and individuals.

Who is eligible to serve as a surrogate in Washington?
Eligibility to serve as a surrogate in Washington requires meeting specific legal and medical standards – including being physically healthy and emotionally stable. The regulations are designed to ensure a safe, successful surrogacy process. An attorney can help with the specifics.

Contact Our Spokane, Washington, Surrogacy Lawyers For Your Confidential Consultation

At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Spokane surrogacy attorney is here to handle your family formation needs. Do you want more information about surrogacy? We are more than happy to help. Contact us online today to arrange a completely confidential, no-obligation initial appointment. We handle surrogacy issues in Spokane, Spokane County, and throughout all of Eastern Washington.