ATTENTION:

IF YOU ARE AN INTENDED PARENT WHO RESIDES IN ANOTHER COUNTRY 

YOU WILL NEED TO PLAN TO STAY IN THE U.S. 

FOR A MINIMUM OF 3 WEEKS AFTER THE BIRTH OF THE CHILD.

International Clients

Birth Certificates

Your child’s birth certificate is a critically important document that will be used throughout your child’s life as the basis for issuing other legal documents. The birth certificate verifies the recording of a child’s birth in the civil register, the first legal recognition of the child. Here are the steps for obtaining a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate:

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International Clients

Newborn Passport

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Passport Application (6-8 weeks)

Parents from other countries whose babies are born via surrogacy in the United States must obtain a newborn passport in order to return to their country of residence with their children.

DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE THE PASSPORT APPLICATION: You must complete an application (Form DS-11) to obtain a passport for your child. This application can be completed online or downloaded and printed from the United States Department of State’s website HERE.

Although the wait time for a routine passport application is six to eight weeks, it is possible to obtain your baby’s passport much faster—sometimes within a day.

SEE BELOW FOR PASSPORT EXPEDITING OPTIONS.

Passport Expediting

Our IFLG team is expert at assisting international families in obtaining expedited newborn passports. If your travel plans require an expedited passport, please notify our office immediately after your baby is born. We will be more than happy to help you obtain your child’s passport. Depending on the urgency of your need/travel plans, we take one of two approaches:

In-Person (1-2 Days - from appointment date)

If you have international travel in less than 2 weeks, you are eligible to schedule an appointment and/or apply in person at one of the regional U.S. State Department Passport Office locations throughout the United States. Applying in person, with your baby present, at a regional passport agency is one of the quickest way to obtain your baby’s expedited passport.

Proof of international travel (within 2 weeks from the appointment date, and the child[ren] must be listed on the flight itinerary) is required.

LOCATIONS:  Click HERE to find the regional passport office nearest you.

If two parents are listed on your baby’s birth certificate, both parents must appear in person with their baby. If one parent is not able to appear in person, he or she must complete and sign a Statement of Consent (“DS-3053"). The form can be downloaded HERE

APPOINTMENTS:  to schedule your appointment, you will need to call for an appointment at 877-487-2778. You will receive a confirmation number for your appointment. The appointment dates and times are subject to availability depending on, among other things, how busy the regional passport office is at the time you call. Appointment times can be anywhere from two to seven business days from the time you call in to set an appointment.

In many cases, using this method, you may be able to obtain your passport in 1-2 days from appointment date.

Passport Expediting Service (3-5 Business Days)

If you are unable to apply in person at a regional passport office, you may work with an expediter to facilitate your application.

IFLG works with Passport & Visa Advisors, LLC, an advisory service that assists international travelers in getting required documents in order prior to their passport application.

Anticipate 3 to 5 business days to obtain your expedited passport. 

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What To Take To Your Appointment

  • Appointment confirmation number
  • Proof of international travel (must show travel within 2 weeks from the appointment date, and the child[ren] must be listed on the flight itinerary)
  • Completed passport application form (form DS-11) for the child. The form can be completed online, downloaded and printed HERE
  • All required supporting documentation, including: Child's birth certificate Child’s passport photo, Photocopies of parents’ identification documents/passports

  • If two parents are listed on the birth certificate, both parents must appear in person.
  • If one parent is not available to attend the appointment, a Statement of Consent (“DS-3053) must be signed. The form can be downloaded HERE
  • Payment: Credit cards accepted; bank debit cards are not.
  • Passports are generally available through the U.S. State Department within 1-2 days of the appointment at the regional passport office.

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International Clients

Apostilles

Some countries require that birth certificates and other documentation be accompanied by an apostille, an additional stamp from the local Secretary of State’s office that certifies the authenticity of required documents. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp the document bears.

While the process of obtaining apostilles is not difficult, it can be time-consuming. The quickest way to obtain the apostille is to appear in person at the Secretary of State's office in the state where your child was born. You may also apply for the apostille by mail, typically a two- to three-week response time, depending on the state where your child was born. Our IFLG team is experienced in assisting intended parents in determining what documentation is needed and helping you navigate the application process.

International Clients

Social Security

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Should We Get One Now?

Please check with our office to discuss your specific situation, as the process and necessity for a SS# can differ based on how the birth certificate is prepared.

The U.S. Social Security Administration encourages parents to obtain Social Security number (SS#) for their newborns, although it is entirely voluntary. While it may be a good idea for you to get a number for your baby if you are a Domestic client, for International clients, it is not necessary and does not necessarily result in any particular benefits. Keep in mind as well, a SS# can be obtained at any time in the future, so it is not necessary to obtain it immediately after birth.

For Domestic clients it may be beneficial to obtain a SS# for your baby; you may need a SS# to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return or if you plan to open a bank account or apply for government services for the child.

How to?

Once you have received your baby’s birth certificate, you will need to complete an application for a newborn social security number and submit it in person at a regional Social Security office. The application is available for download at the U.S. Social Security Administration’s website, HERE.  For additional information about newborn social security numbers, please visit this LINK.

Caution!

Some hospitals offer the option for parents to apply for their newborn’s Social Security number at the hospital by simply checking a box, via Newborn Automatic Number Assignment (NANA). However, in surrogacy cases, your child’s Social Security number may be associated with the surrogate. The Social Security card could be mailed to the surrogate’s home, and it is extremely difficult to disassociate the baby’s record from the surrogate’s name. Therefore, although there are exceptions, we generally advise that intended parents via surrogacy NOT use the hospital’s NANA system. Additionally, in the event the surrogate’s name is listed on your child’s initial birth certificate, we recommend you do not apply for your baby’s Social Security number and card until after you have received an amended birth certificate with the surrogate’s name removed.

Peiya Wang
PEIYA WANG(王培娅)
Paralegal (律师助理)

Peiya Wang joined IFLG as a paralegal in 2015, where she manages surrogacy, egg donation and parental establishment cases and provides translation services for many of IFLG’s international clients. Peiya moved to the United States in 2012 to attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, receiving a Master of Science degree in Global Studies and International Affairs in 2014. Peiya moved to Los Angeles in 2015, received her paralegal certification from UCLA Extension, and obtained her second Master of Science degree in Legal Studies from Loyola Law School. Peiya relocated back to her hometown, Beijing, China in 2019 and works from IFLG’s Beijing office. When away from the office, Peiya is a dragon boat paddler and a ballroom dancer, where she favors Rumbas and Cha-chas. She is fluent in Mandarin and English.

Luis Sosa
LUIS SOSA
Paralegal

Luis R. Sosa joined IFLG as a paralegal in 2016, where he enjoys pursuing his passion for family and reproductive law. While working toward his bachelor’s degree at Florida International University which he received in 2013, Luis worked as a paralegal and legal assistant for family law litigation firms in Miami and Washington, D.C. As a paralegal and case manager for IFLG, Luis, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, manages surrogacy, egg donation and other reproductive law cases. Luis has worked for IFLG in both Los Angeles as well as San Francisco, and is currently based in Dallas, Texas. In addition to spending time with husband Randy and dog Marty, Luis enjoys being outdoors and appreciating the arts.

Toni Hughes
TONI BOONE
Paralegal

After receiving her B.S. in Business Management, Toni joined IFLG to pursue her dream of working in the legal field. As a Paralegal with over 10 years of experience in the assisted reproduction technology field, Toni is our Managing Paralegal, responsible for training and managing our paralegal staff. From drafting legal documents to assisting our clients with post-birth matters, Toni embraces the challenge of learning something new in this field each day. Besides spending time with her son, Jordan, Toni enjoys exploring new things, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and serving as a Youth Advisor for “Next Generation.”

Kim
KIM LETZKUS
Paralegal

Kim has over 30 years of experience in the legal field and has worked exclusively in surrogacy and assisted reproduction law since 1999. Kim is a senior case manager responsible for managing parental establishment cases and interacting with IFLG’s Of Counsel attorneys across the country. With three children of her own, Kim understands the importance of family and finds working in this area of law a rewarding experience.

Rich Vaughn
RICHARD B. VAUGHN
Founder

Attorney Rich Vaughn combined his personal passion as a father of twin boys born via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with more than 20 years of experience in business and technology law to build International Fertility Law Group. Today IFLG is one of the most successful and best-known law firms in the world focused exclusively on fertility law, helping thousands of intended parents through empathetic listening, compassionate guidance, and unmatched legal expertise. As an advocate for reproductive freedom, Rich also contributes his knowledge and time to improving the understanding and practice of ART law, most recently as a founder of and speaker at the first Cambridge University International Surrogacy Symposium held in June 2019, as immediate past chair of the American Bar Association ART Committee, and as a popular presenter to law schools, faculty and advocacy organizations all over the world.

Elizabeth Tamayo
ELIZABETH TAMAYO
Paralegal

Elizabeth received her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University of Los Angeles. Shortly after graduating, she continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles where she obtained her Paralegal certificate. Elizabeth is fluent in Spanish and has been in the legal field since 2009. She is excited to be a part of the IFLG Team helping families realize their dreams.

Sunny Chien
SUNNY CHIEN
Paralegal

Sunny joined IFLG as a paralegal in 2017, where she manages surrogacy, egg donation and parental establishment cases for many of IFLG’s international clients. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from California State University of Los Angeles, where she graduated cum laude. Sunny is bilingual in English and Mandarin and has extensive experience as a legal assistant and paralegal at Los Angeles-area law firms. She is excited to be part of the IFLG team. In her spare time, Sunny enjoys spending time with her family and their dog, going to the beach, cooking, and being outdoors.

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OFFICES
Los Angeles

5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 645

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone:  +1 323 331 9343

Email:  info@iflg.net

Website:  www.iflg.net

New York
PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20vbWFwcy9lbWJlZD9wYj0hMW0xOCExbTEyITFtMyExZDMwMjIuNDAxMzgzOTYwOTM5ITJkLTczLjk4Mjk0MTg4NDczMTIzITNkNDAuNzUzMTk1Nzc5MzI3NCEybTMhMWYwITJmMCEzZjAhM20yITFpMTAyNCEyaTc2OCE0ZjEzLjEhM20zITFtMiExczB4ODljMjU5MDAzZWU5ZjZmZCUzQTB4NWZkNDM5ZmQ0YjRlNzEwNyEyczUwMSs1dGgrQXZlJTJDK05ldytZb3JrJTJDK05ZKzEwMDE3ITVlMCEzbTIhMXNlbiEyc3VzITR2MTU1OTc2MjQ0OTgzOCE1bTIhMXNlbiEyc3VzIiB3aWR0aD0iNDUwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM1MCIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIHN0eWxlPSJib3JkZXI6MCIgYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuPjwvaWZyYW1lPg==

501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1900

New York, NY 10017

Phone:  +1 844 400 2016

Email:  info@iflg.net

Website:  www.iflg.net

Molly O'Brien
MOLLY O'BRIEN
Partner

Fertility law attorney Molly O’Brien began working in the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in 2005, at an egg donation agency and a surrogacy agency where she became familiar with all aspects of in-vitro fertilization, egg donation and the financial aspects of surrogacy. Since becoming an attorney in 2011, Molly has drafted and negotiated surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation embryo donation agreements for hundreds of her clients all over the world.

Phoebe Sadler
PHOEBE S. SADLER
Associate

Fertility law attorney Phoebe Sadler has a background in family law and has been practicing exclusively in the area of assisted reproduction technology (ART) law since 2018.

Rubina Aslanyan
RUBINA ASLANYAN
Paralegal

Rubina has an extensive background in the legal field as a paralegal in Family Law and has worked in surrogacy and assisted reproduction law since 2012. Her area of focus is in managing and assisting clients with surrogacy, egg donation, and parental establishment cases for many of IFLG’s domestic and international clients. During her spare time, Rubina enjoys spending time with her family and dog Bella, traveling and cooking.

Alexander Espinoza
ALEXANDER ESPINOZA
Legal Assistant

Alexander joined IFLG as a legal assistant in 2019, where he manages surrogacy, egg donation and parental establishment cases. Alex is bilingual in English and Spanish and has been in the legal field for 23 years. Alex is excited to join the IFLG team and pursuing his will to help others in the reproductive law process. In his spare time he loves spending time with his family and friends, being outdoors, road trips, loves music and dancing.

Cara Stecker
CARA STECKER
Senior Paralegal

After receiving her paralegal certificate in 2005, Cara began working in assisted reproductive law. During the fifteen years Cara has worked in this field, she has gained a wide range of experience and knowledge that she uses to help better assist clients and those involved in the assisted reproductive journey. Cara’s primary roles involve managing parental establishment matters and coordination with IFLG’s Of Counsel attorney network, drafting contracts and parental establishment court documents and providing support to other team members. Cara finds great joy in being a small part of a team of caring people who help others achieve their dream of having a family. In her spare time, Cara enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, watching her children play the sports they love, and she enjoys, running, cycling and exploring the outdoors in the sun.

Stephanie Kimble
STEPHANIE KIMBLE
Paralegal

Stephanie received her BS in History and Political Thought from Concordia University Irvine in 2015 and her Paralegal Certificate from University of San Diego later that same year. She has been working as a Paralegal since 2016 in Family and Reproductive Law. She is excited to be part of International Fertility Law Group working on managing Surrogacy, Egg donation and Parental Establishment Cases.

Trish Pittman
TRISH PITTMAN
Assistant Financial Coordinator

With more than 20 years of experience in the field of accounting, Trish joined the IFLG team in 2019 as Assistant Financial Coordinator. Her client-facing focus at IFLG is to assist with all client trust accounting. Trish is the mother of two daughters and enjoys spending time teaching and learning new things from them. In her free time, she loves long walks in the park and reading suspense and mystery novels.

Katie Deaquino
KATIE DEAQUINO
Senior Paralegal

Katie is a Senior Paralegal with IFLG and has dedicated over sixteen years to the areas of surrogacy and reproductive law. She received her Paralegal Certificate from Coastline Community College and has worked with some of the top law firms in the assisted reproduction community. Katie is also a commissioned Notary Public. With IFLG, Katie manages Surrogacy, Egg Donation, and Parental Establishment cases and provides support to other IFLG team members. Katie truly enjoys helping others build their families through assisted reproduction and is thankful she has had the rewarding experience of assisting IFLG clients. Katie often spends her free time with her Husband, four young children and her bulldog “Bella”.

Elsa Jimenez
ELSA JIMENEZ
Legal Assistant

Elsa joined IFLG as a Legal Assistant in 2019, bringing more than 35 years of experience working in the legal profession (concentrating in tort and litigation matters). At IFLG she assists surrogates with their surrogacy and parental matters. The oldest of five siblings, born and raised in East Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents, Elsa loves “seeing the beauty of families forming” through assisted reproductive technology. She and her husband Carlos have four children and one grandson. Elsa enjoys jazz and ’80s music, being outdoors in nature, collecting teacups and tea pots, and spending time with her close-knit family.