We are honored that you are considering International Fertility Law Group to represent you as you begin the exciting journey of becoming a parent through assisted reproductive technology (“ART”).
WELCOME
WELCOME!
IFLG was established to provide ART legal services exclusively—this is the only kind of law we practice.
We have helped thousands of intended parents navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape surrounding family formation via ART.
In founding IFLG, I was inspired by my own personal experience of becoming a parent via ART, with a passion for helping other individuals and families on a similar path.
I know from both personal and professional experience that every family situation is unique and the process of creating a family via ART can be complex, confusing and even overwhelming. Although no check list can encompass every family and every ART situation, to the right is a quick primer of necessary steps.
IFLG’s team of legal professionals is trained to listen to your questions and concerns, provide expert advice tailored to your circumstances, and guide you every step of the way, until you welcome your new baby into the world.
— Rich
Required Steps
Talk to a Lawyer Before Beginning any ART Process—We Offer a Free Initial Consultation!
Select a Donor and/or Surrogate
Prepare Properly Executed Documents
Court Order for Parental Establishment
Confer with Birth Hospital
Birth Certificate
Domestic Clients
STEP 1
Consult with a qualified attorney experienced in fertility law
At IFLG, we offer a free initial consultation, which will help orient you to the assisted reproductive technology (ART) process, the services we provide, and payment options. Once we have received your signed retainer agreement, you will be under the protection of attorney-client privilege, and we can begin representing you.
STEP 2
Client Intake Process
One of the most important steps you will take in retaining ART legal services is to complete a detailed client intake form and answer all questions as completely and accurately as possible. Your attorney must understand the specifics of your situation in order to develop the most effective strategy for managing your case.
During the intake process, you will be asked your place of residence and where you hold citizenship, the surrogate’s state of residence, your marital or relationship status, whose genetics are being used, and where you and your family plan to live following the birth. We will ask for copies of certain identifying documents for your legal case file. All of this detailed information will be used to determine what legal measures must be taken to ensure your parental rights and the security of your family. If you are already working with a fertility clinic or donor/surrogacy agency, some of this background information will already have been gathered.
STEP 3
Execute Customized Donor Agreement (as applicable)
For intended parents who are using sperm, egg or embryo donation to conceive, a properly executed donor agreement is essential.
Many of our clients are already working with a licensed fertility clinic or surrogate/donor agency when they come to us. If you have not already selected an agency or clinic, we can refer you to an experienced, reputable provider.
The donor agreement will document that intended parents are the legal parents and that the donor is not the parent. The agreement will establish whether and how intended parents will remunerate the donor and how intended parents will cover all associated medical expenses. Our experienced IFLG team will work with you to create an agreement customized for your family and situation that ensures all parties are protected in this extremely intimate, collaborative relationship between intended parents and donor.
STEP 4
Execute Customized Surrogacy Agreement (as applicable)
Often our clients have already been matched with a surrogate before retaining our services, usually with the help of an experienced surrogacy agency. During the matching process the surrogate and intended parents undergo criminal background checks as well as medical and psychological screening. Intended parents and surrogate meet and determine whether they are comfortable going through the lengthy and intimate process of assisted reproduction together, taking into consideration personal feelings and beliefs about selective reduction of embryos, termination for medical reasons, the type of relationship that will best suit them, and attitudes toward LGBT parents, if pertinent. Ideally, intended parents and surrogate have discussed and resolved most of these issues before we begin drafting the agreement.
The surrogacy agreement will document all parties’ obligations and rights under the agreement, including establishing the parentage of the intended parents, payment of surrogate fees and expenses, surrogate behavior during pregnancy, where delivery will occur, and remedies for breach of contract. During the drafting, negotiation and finalization of the surrogacy agreement, the parties should be represented by separate legal counsel.
STEP 5
Plan Ahead for Your Family’s Future
As a parent with a new baby on the way, it’s important to consider the future. Arrangements for guardianship of the infant in the event of parental death should be part of any surrogacy arrangement. Depending on your family’s specific circumstances, it may be advisable to update your will or establish trusts. Our experienced team will work with you to draft guardianship documentation or refer you to expert legal counsel to draw up your full estate planning portfolio to ensure your family’s security. Similarly, documents will be drafted for your surrogate to sign granting you a healthcare power of attorney to speak directly to the doctors, access medical records and make medical decisions for the baby (to the extent such decisions do not put your surrogate in harm’s way).
STEP 6
Establishing Parental Rights
The process for establishing parental rights varies widely depending on the state where the birth occurs. Some states, including California, allow you to obtain a parentage order prior to the birth (“pre-birth order”) establishing the intended parents’ parental rights immediately at birth. Other states require parents to wait until after the birth to get the parentage order (“post-birth order”); still others require both a pre-birth order validating the surrogacy agreement coupled with a preliminary parentage order and a final post-birth order. It is important to understand, however, that even within the same state, court and vital records requirements may vary from county to county.
During the pregnancy IFLG will coordinate the legal aspects of the upcoming birth with the birth hospital and provide a copy of the court order once available. Then the hospital birth certificate clerk will prepare paperwork to register the birth of the child, and send this paperwork, along with the court order, to the state’s vital records office where the birth certificate is printed.
More questions? Give us a call at 323-331-9343 to schedule your free initial consultation.
International Clients
Many intended parents come to the United States from abroad to undertake fertility treatment and surrogacy. Our multi-lingual IFLG team has worked with thousands of intended parents from all over the world, and our network of qualified attorneys from more than 90 countries keeps us up-to-date on laws governing parentage and citizenship, so that we can obtain the documentation needed to get your baby home safely.
STEP 1
Consult with a qualified attorney experienced in fertility law
At IFLG, we offer a free initial consultation, which will help orient you to the assisted reproductive technology (ART) process, the services we provide, and payment options. Once we have received your signed retainer agreement, you will be under the protection of attorney-client privilege, and we can begin representing you.
STEP 2
Client Intake Process
One of the most important steps you will take in retaining ART legal services is to complete a detailed client intake form and answer all questions as completely and accurately as possible. Your attorney must understand the specifics of your situation in order to develop the most effective strategy for managing your case. For intended parents who are not U.S. residents, it is especially critical that you provide complete and accurate information about your citizenship, residency and future plans.
During the intake process, you will be asked your place of residence and where you hold citizenship, the surrogate’s place of residence, your marital or relationship status, whose genetics are being used, and where you and your family plan to live following the birth. We will ask for copies of certain identifying documents for your legal case file. All of this detailed information will be used to determine what legal measures must be taken to ensure your parental rights and the security of your family. If you are already working with a fertility clinic or donor/surrogacy agency, some of this background information will already have been gathered.
U.S. attorneys are not licensed to practice law in other countries, so it is advisable that you retain the services of an attorney from your home country. IFLG has developed an extensive network of attorneys in more than 90 countries who are knowledgeable about local laws and policies governing assisted reproduction, parentage, citizenship and residency, and we can assist you in locating qualified local counsel.
STEP 3
Execute Customized Donor Agreement (as applicable)
For intended parents who are using sperm, egg or embryo donation to conceive, a properly executed donor agreement is essential.
Many of our clients are already working with a licensed fertility clinic or surrogate/donor agency when they come to us. If you have not already selected an agency or clinic, we can refer you to an experienced, reputable provider.
The donor agreement will document that intended parents are the legal parents and that the donor is not the parent. The agreement will establish whether and how intended parents will remunerate the donor and how intended parents will cover all associated medical expenses.
Our experienced IFLG team will work with you to create an agreement customized for your family and situation that ensures all parties are protected in this extremely intimate, collaborative relationship between intended parents and donor.
STEP 4
Execute Customized Surrogacy Agreement (as applicable)
Often our clients have already been matched with a surrogate before retaining our services, usually with the help of an experienced surrogacy agency. If you are not currently working with a donor/surrogacy agency, we would be happy to refer you to an experienced, reputable provider.
During the matching process the surrogate and intended parents undergo criminal background checks as well as medical and psychological screening. Intended parents and surrogate meet and determine whether they are comfortable going through the lengthy and intimate process of assisted reproduction together, taking into consideration personal feelings and beliefs about selective reduction of embryos, termination for medical reasons, the type of relationship that will best suit them, and attitudes toward LGBT parents, if pertinent. Ideally, intended parents and surrogate have discussed and resolved most of these issues before we begin drafting the agreement.
The surrogacy agreement will document all parties’ obligations and rights under the agreement, including establishing the parentage of the intended parents, payment of surrogate fees and expenses, surrogate behavior during pregnancy, where delivery will occur, and remedies for breach of contract. During the drafting, negotiation and finalization of the surrogacy agreement, the parties should be represented by separate legal counsel.
In drafting a surrogacy agreement, IFLG can assist intended parents who do not reside in the United States in retaining legal counsel familiar with the laws of your home country. This will enable us to tailor your surrogacy agreement to comply with those laws and make your return home with your baby as safe and convenient as possible.
For single or LGBT intended parents, parentage and citizenship laws in your home country may pose extra obstacles. Our IFLG team has extensive experience with helping single intended parents and same-sex couples navigate the extra challenges they face in many countries. Learn more about our services for LGBT individuals.
STEP 5
Plan Ahead for Your Family’s Future
As a parent with a baby on the way, it’s important to consider the future. Arrangements for guardianship of the infant in the event of parental death should be part of any surrogacy arrangement. Depending on your family’s specific circumstances, it may be advisable to update your will or establish trusts. You will want to consult legal counsel familiar with family and tax law in your home country and jurisdiction.
IFLG will draft documents for your surrogate to sign granting you a healthcare power of attorney to speak directly to the doctors, access medical records and make medical decisions for the baby (to the extent such decisions do not put your surrogate in harm’s way).
STEP 6
Establishing Parental Rights
The process for establishing parental rights varies widely depending on the state where the birth occurs. Some states, including California, allow you to obtain a parentage order prior to the birth (“pre-birth order”) establishing the intended parents’ parental rights immediately at birth. Other states require parents to wait until after the birth to get the parentage order (“post-birth order”); still others require both a pre-birth order validating the surrogacy agreement coupled with a preliminary parentage order and a final post-birth order. It is important to understand, however, that even within the same state, court and vital records requirements may vary from county to county.
During the pregnancy IFLG will coordinate the legal aspects of the upcoming birth with the birth hospital and provide a copy of the court order once available. Then the hospital birth certificate clerk will prepare paperwork to register the birth of the child, and send this paperwork, along with the court order, to the state’s vital records office where the birth certificate is printed.
For intended parents who reside outside the United States, additional steps may be needed to prepare for returning home with your baby. IFLG will work with experienced legal counsel in your home country to prepare appropriate documentation.
More questions? Give us a call at 323-331-9343 to schedule your free initial consultation.
- Overview
-
WELCOME!
We are honored that you are considering International Fertility Law Group to represent you as you begin the exciting journey of becoming a parent through assisted reproductive technology (“ART”).
IFLG was established to provide ART legal services exclusively—this is the only kind of law we practice.
We have helped thousands of intended parents navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape surrounding family formation via ART.
In founding IFLG, I was inspired by my own personal experience of becoming a parent via ART, with a passion for helping other individuals and families on a similar path.
I know from both personal and professional experience that every family situation is unique and the process of creating a family via ART can be complex, confusing and even overwhelming. Although no check list can encompass every family and every ART situation, to the right is a quick primer of necessary steps.
IFLG’s team of legal professionals is trained to listen to your questions and concerns, provide expert advice tailored to your circumstances, and guide you every step of the way, until you welcome your new baby into the world.
— Rich
Required Steps
Talk to a Lawyer Before Beginning any ART Process—We Offer a Free Initial Consultation!
Select a Donor and/or Surrogate
Prepare Properly Executed Documents
Court Order for Parental Establishment
Confer with Birth Hospital
Birth Certificate
- Domestic Clients
-
Domestic Clients
STEP 1
Consult with a qualified attorney experienced in fertility law
At IFLG, we offer a free initial consultation, which will help orient you to the assisted reproductive technology (ART) process, the services we provide, and payment options. Once we have received your signed retainer agreement, you will be under the protection of attorney-client privilege, and we can begin representing you.
STEP 2
Client Intake Process
One of the most important steps you will take in retaining ART legal services is to complete a detailed client intake form and answer all questions as completely and accurately as possible. Your attorney must understand the specifics of your situation in order to develop the most effective strategy for managing your case.
During the intake process, you will be asked your place of residence and where you hold citizenship, the surrogate’s state of residence, your marital or relationship status, whose genetics are being used, and where you and your family plan to live following the birth. We will ask for copies of certain identifying documents for your legal case file. All of this detailed information will be used to determine what legal measures must be taken to ensure your parental rights and the security of your family. If you are already working with a fertility clinic or donor/surrogacy agency, some of this background information will already have been gathered.
STEP 3
Execute Customized Donor Agreement (as applicable)
For intended parents who are using sperm, egg or embryo donation to conceive, a properly executed donor agreement is essential.
Many of our clients are already working with a licensed fertility clinic or surrogate/donor agency when they come to us. If you have not already selected an agency or clinic, we can refer you to an experienced, reputable provider.
The donor agreement will document that intended parents are the legal parents and that the donor is not the parent. The agreement will establish whether and how intended parents will remunerate the donor and how intended parents will cover all associated medical expenses. Our experienced IFLG team will work with you to create an agreement customized for your family and situation that ensures all parties are protected in this extremely intimate, collaborative relationship between intended parents and donor.
STEP 4
Execute Customized Surrogacy Agreement (as applicable)
Often our clients have already been matched with a surrogate before retaining our services, usually with the help of an experienced surrogacy agency. During the matching process the surrogate and intended parents undergo criminal background checks as well as medical and psychological screening. Intended parents and surrogate meet and determine whether they are comfortable going through the lengthy and intimate process of assisted reproduction together, taking into consideration personal feelings and beliefs about selective reduction of embryos, termination for medical reasons, the type of relationship that will best suit them, and attitudes toward LGBT parents, if pertinent. Ideally, intended parents and surrogate have discussed and resolved most of these issues before we begin drafting the agreement.
The surrogacy agreement will document all parties’ obligations and rights under the agreement, including establishing the parentage of the intended parents, payment of surrogate fees and expenses, surrogate behavior during pregnancy, where delivery will occur, and remedies for breach of contract. During the drafting, negotiation and finalization of the surrogacy agreement, the parties should be represented by separate legal counsel.
STEP 5
Plan Ahead for Your Family’s Future
As a parent with a new baby on the way, it’s important to consider the future. Arrangements for guardianship of the infant in the event of parental death should be part of any surrogacy arrangement. Depending on your family’s specific circumstances, it may be advisable to update your will or establish trusts. Our experienced team will work with you to draft guardianship documentation or refer you to expert legal counsel to draw up your full estate planning portfolio to ensure your family’s security. Similarly, documents will be drafted for your surrogate to sign granting you a healthcare power of attorney to speak directly to the doctors, access medical records and make medical decisions for the baby (to the extent such decisions do not put your surrogate in harm’s way).
STEP 6
Establishing Parental Rights
The process for establishing parental rights varies widely depending on the state where the birth occurs. Some states, including California, allow you to obtain a parentage order prior to the birth (“pre-birth order”) establishing the intended parents’ parental rights immediately at birth. Other states require parents to wait until after the birth to get the parentage order (“post-birth order”); still others require both a pre-birth order validating the surrogacy agreement coupled with a preliminary parentage order and a final post-birth order. It is important to understand, however, that even within the same state, court and vital records requirements may vary from county to county.
During the pregnancy IFLG will coordinate the legal aspects of the upcoming birth with the birth hospital and provide a copy of the court order once available. Then the hospital birth certificate clerk will prepare paperwork to register the birth of the child, and send this paperwork, along with the court order, to the state’s vital records office where the birth certificate is printed.
More questions? Give us a call at 323-331-9343 to schedule your free initial consultation.
- International Clients
-
International Clients
Many intended parents come to the United States from abroad to undertake fertility treatment and surrogacy. Our multi-lingual IFLG team has worked with thousands of intended parents from all over the world, and our network of qualified attorneys from more than 90 countries keeps us up-to-date on laws governing parentage and citizenship, so that we can obtain the documentation needed to get your baby home safely.
STEP 1
Consult with a qualified attorney experienced in fertility law
At IFLG, we offer a free initial consultation, which will help orient you to the assisted reproductive technology (ART) process, the services we provide, and payment options. Once we have received your signed retainer agreement, you will be under the protection of attorney-client privilege, and we can begin representing you.
STEP 2
Client Intake Process
One of the most important steps you will take in retaining ART legal services is to complete a detailed client intake form and answer all questions as completely and accurately as possible. Your attorney must understand the specifics of your situation in order to develop the most effective strategy for managing your case. For intended parents who are not U.S. residents, it is especially critical that you provide complete and accurate information about your citizenship, residency and future plans.
During the intake process, you will be asked your place of residence and where you hold citizenship, the surrogate’s place of residence, your marital or relationship status, whose genetics are being used, and where you and your family plan to live following the birth. We will ask for copies of certain identifying documents for your legal case file. All of this detailed information will be used to determine what legal measures must be taken to ensure your parental rights and the security of your family. If you are already working with a fertility clinic or donor/surrogacy agency, some of this background information will already have been gathered.
U.S. attorneys are not licensed to practice law in other countries, so it is advisable that you retain the services of an attorney from your home country. IFLG has developed an extensive network of attorneys in more than 90 countries who are knowledgeable about local laws and policies governing assisted reproduction, parentage, citizenship and residency, and we can assist you in locating qualified local counsel.
STEP 3
Execute Customized Donor Agreement (as applicable)
For intended parents who are using sperm, egg or embryo donation to conceive, a properly executed donor agreement is essential.
Many of our clients are already working with a licensed fertility clinic or surrogate/donor agency when they come to us. If you have not already selected an agency or clinic, we can refer you to an experienced, reputable provider.
The donor agreement will document that intended parents are the legal parents and that the donor is not the parent. The agreement will establish whether and how intended parents will remunerate the donor and how intended parents will cover all associated medical expenses.
Our experienced IFLG team will work with you to create an agreement customized for your family and situation that ensures all parties are protected in this extremely intimate, collaborative relationship between intended parents and donor.
STEP 4
Execute Customized Surrogacy Agreement (as applicable)
Often our clients have already been matched with a surrogate before retaining our services, usually with the help of an experienced surrogacy agency. If you are not currently working with a donor/surrogacy agency, we would be happy to refer you to an experienced, reputable provider.
During the matching process the surrogate and intended parents undergo criminal background checks as well as medical and psychological screening. Intended parents and surrogate meet and determine whether they are comfortable going through the lengthy and intimate process of assisted reproduction together, taking into consideration personal feelings and beliefs about selective reduction of embryos, termination for medical reasons, the type of relationship that will best suit them, and attitudes toward LGBT parents, if pertinent. Ideally, intended parents and surrogate have discussed and resolved most of these issues before we begin drafting the agreement.
The surrogacy agreement will document all parties’ obligations and rights under the agreement, including establishing the parentage of the intended parents, payment of surrogate fees and expenses, surrogate behavior during pregnancy, where delivery will occur, and remedies for breach of contract. During the drafting, negotiation and finalization of the surrogacy agreement, the parties should be represented by separate legal counsel.
In drafting a surrogacy agreement, IFLG can assist intended parents who do not reside in the United States in retaining legal counsel familiar with the laws of your home country. This will enable us to tailor your surrogacy agreement to comply with those laws and make your return home with your baby as safe and convenient as possible.
For single or LGBT intended parents, parentage and citizenship laws in your home country may pose extra obstacles. Our IFLG team has extensive experience with helping single intended parents and same-sex couples navigate the extra challenges they face in many countries. Learn more about our services for LGBT individuals.
STEP 5
Plan Ahead for Your Family’s Future
As a parent with a baby on the way, it’s important to consider the future. Arrangements for guardianship of the infant in the event of parental death should be part of any surrogacy arrangement. Depending on your family’s specific circumstances, it may be advisable to update your will or establish trusts. You will want to consult legal counsel familiar with family and tax law in your home country and jurisdiction.
IFLG will draft documents for your surrogate to sign granting you a healthcare power of attorney to speak directly to the doctors, access medical records and make medical decisions for the baby (to the extent such decisions do not put your surrogate in harm’s way).
STEP 6
Establishing Parental Rights
The process for establishing parental rights varies widely depending on the state where the birth occurs. Some states, including California, allow you to obtain a parentage order prior to the birth (“pre-birth order”) establishing the intended parents’ parental rights immediately at birth. Other states require parents to wait until after the birth to get the parentage order (“post-birth order”); still others require both a pre-birth order validating the surrogacy agreement coupled with a preliminary parentage order and a final post-birth order. It is important to understand, however, that even within the same state, court and vital records requirements may vary from county to county.
During the pregnancy IFLG will coordinate the legal aspects of the upcoming birth with the birth hospital and provide a copy of the court order once available. Then the hospital birth certificate clerk will prepare paperwork to register the birth of the child, and send this paperwork, along with the court order, to the state’s vital records office where the birth certificate is printed.
For intended parents who reside outside the United States, additional steps may be needed to prepare for returning home with your baby. IFLG will work with experienced legal counsel in your home country to prepare appropriate documentation.
More questions? Give us a call at 323-331-9343 to schedule your free initial consultation.
