INVESTMENT COSTS
INVESTMENT COSTS FOR GESTATIONAL SURROGACY
When considering gestational surrogacy as your path to parenthood, it is important to understand all aspects of the journey—including the financial investment involved. While it is impossible to predict every expense with complete accuracy, our team works diligently to provide realistic estimates and help intended parents anticipate costs throughout the surrogacy process.
AGENCY FEES
We are fully committed to supporting you and your future gestational carrier from the beginning of your journey through its successful completion. Because a gestational surrogacy journey involves many important steps and participants, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our primary goal is to make the experience as seamless and stress-free as possible by providing education, guidance, and ongoing support every step of the way.
The process begins with an agency fee that is divided into four installments. The first installment initiates the gestational carrier matching process. During this phase, we dedicate significant time and resources to identifying the most suitable match for your family. We are proud to provide a comprehensive pre-screening process for all potential gestational carriers, which includes an extensive questionnaire review, an in-depth personal interview, and an evaluation of relevant medical records to determine eligibility. This thorough screening process offers peace of mind, knowing that all potential gestational carriers have been carefully assessed before being presented to you.
Please note that if you have an established fertility clinic, the clinic will be responsible for providing the final medical clearance for your selected gestational carrier. Our team will coordinate directly with your clinic to facilitate the medical clearance process.
The second agency fee is due upon confirmation of an official match. At this stage, we prepare and organize all necessary documentation for legal review. The attorneys representing both the intended parent(s) and the gestational carrier will receive the required information needed to draft and review the Gestational Carrier Agreement.
The third installment is due upon the execution and completion of the Gestational Carrier Agreement. From this point forward, we work closely with all parties involved, including attorneys, fertility clinics, OB-GYN providers, social workers, escrow management companies, insurance providers, and hospitals. Our role is to coordinate communication, provide guidance, and ensure the process progresses smoothly and efficiently for everyone involved.
The fourth and final agency fee is due upon confirmation of pregnancy, as indicated by the gestational carrier's positive beta hCG (pregnancy) test.
GESTATIONAL CARRIER COMPENSATION
Gestational carriers receive a base compensation for their commitment and participation in your surrogacy journey. This base compensation may vary depending on whether the gestational carrier is participating for the first time or has prior experience as a gestational carrier.
In addition to the base compensation, intended parent(s) should also anticipate additional expenses, which may include, but are not limited to: travel expenses, monthly allowances, health insurance premiums, life insurance policy costs, lost wages, bed rest compensation, invasive procedure fees, cesarean section fees, housekeeping, childcare, maternity clothing, international fees, multiples fees, psychological support, unreimbursed medical expenses, insurance costs, co-pays, and deductibles.
LEGAL COSTS
Legal representation is one of the most important aspects of a gestational surrogacy journey. To protect the rights, responsibilities, and interests of all parties involved, both the intended parent(s) and the gestational carrier must have separate legal representation by experienced attorneys who specialize in assisted reproductive law and surrogacy arrangements.
Our team will assist by providing referrals to qualified surrogacy attorneys who are experienced in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating Gestational Carrier Agreements. These agreements clearly outline the expectations, responsibilities, financial arrangements, and legal protections for both the intended parent(s) and the gestational carrier before the medical process begins.
In addition to the Gestational Carrier Agreement, legal counsel will guide you through any state-specific legal requirements. Depending on the laws of the state where the gestational carrier resides and delivers, this may include obtaining a pre-birth order to establish legal parentage and ensure that the intended parent(s)' names are placed on the birth certificate. In states where pre-birth orders are not available, attorneys will assist with alternative legal processes, such as post-birth parentage orders, termination of parental rights, or adoption proceedings, when applicable.
Throughout the legal process, we work closely with all attorneys involved to help coordinate communication, facilitate the exchange of necessary documentation, and ensure that legal milestones are completed in a timely manner. Our goal is to provide guidance and support so that you can move forward with confidence, knowing that the legal foundation of your surrogacy journey has been carefully established.
ESCROW MANANGEMENT COST
Escrow management is an essential component of the surrogacy process, providing secure and transparent administration of all gestational carrier compensation and related expenses. A one-time setup fee is paid directly to the escrow management company to establish and maintain the escrow account throughout the journey.
While we are pleased to recommend a trusted third-party escrow management company with extensive experience in surrogacy arrangements, you are welcome to select an escrow provider of your choice. If you choose to work with a different escrow company, we will require their contact information, policies, and procedures to ensure proper coordination and compliance throughout the process.
The escrow account is used to manage all approved payments and reimbursements in accordance with the Gestational Carrier Agreement. Any fees associated with wire transfers, credit card transactions, or other payment processing services will be paid from the escrow account and should be factored into your overall surrogacy budget.
Our team will work closely with the escrow management company to help ensure that payments are processed accurately, on time, and in accordance with the agreed-upon terms, providing peace of mind for both the intended parent(s) and the gestational carrier.
MEDICAL COSTS
The costs associated with IVF procedures, egg donor services, sperm donor services, and medications are determined by your fertility center and should be obtained directly from them. If you have not yet selected a fertility center, we are happy to provide referrals to highly qualified fertility specialists in your area.
We generally recommend that all payments related to IVF treatment and fertility center services be made directly to the fertility center rather than through your surrogacy escrow account. We encourage you to speak with a financial representative at your fertility center to discuss payment options and make arrangements for any clinic-related expenses to be paid directly.
