American Surrogacy provides legal coordination across state lines by connecting intended parents and surrogates with qualified attorneys in both parties’ states.
Our coordinated approach helps every journey move forward smoothly, avoiding the legal complications and delays that can occur when working with less experienced agencies.
Our specialists can guide you through cross-state legal coordination and connect you with trusted attorneys. Fill out our form today.
Are There Surrogacy Agencies That Provide Legal Coordination Across State Lines?
Yes. In interstate surrogacy, the legal landscape is complex because laws vary significantly from one state to the next.
Your surrogacy attorney and your match’s attorney will collaborate to determine the most favorable “Choice of Law” for your contract. ensuring the agreement is enforceable and that your parental rights are secured in the state where the birth occurs.
While attorneys specialize in the legal filings, we facilitate the connections. We have worked with surrogacy attorneys from all over the country who understand the requirements of cross-state journeys.
Our coordination prevents conflicting legal advice, manages the logistics of local counsel in both states, and keeps your journey on a clear, protected path toward parenthood.
What Is a Gestational Carrier Agreement—and Why It’s Essential in Interstate Surrogacy
A Gestational Carrier Agreement is the comprehensive contract that governs your journey.
It defines every party’s rights, financial obligations, and medical expectations, ensuring there are no “gray areas” before the pregnancy begins.
Navigating the Interstate “Choice of Law”
In a cross-state journey, the GCA isn’t just about what you agree on, it’s about where it is enforced.
Because surrogacy laws vary by state, your legal team must strategically select which state’s laws will govern the contract (the “Choice of Law”).
We ensure your GCA is drafted to:
- Connecting your journey to the most favorable state for your specific situation.
- Addressing specific requirements, like Pre-Birth vs. Post-Birth Orders, so your parental rights are recognized in both your home state and the surrogate’s.
- Drafting the contract to satisfy the unique “public policy” standards of both states involved.
How We Help Both Sides Find the Right Attorney
At American Surrogacy, we’ve worked alongside reputable surrogacy attorneys nationwide who specialize in these cross-state arrangements.
While we don’t have official partnerships, we can share names of trusted attorneys in your state so that both the intended parents and surrogate can independently select their legal representation.
Once each party has an attorney, those professionals collaborate to draft and finalize the GCA. Our team stays involved throughout the process — helping coordinate communication, track progress, and ensure everything moves forward smoothly and transparently.
Understanding Surrogacy Laws in Different States
Surrogacy laws vary widely from state to state. Some states are considered “surrogacy-friendly,” with clear legal pathways for establishing parental rights before or immediately after birth.
Others have restrictive laws or no specific surrogacy legislation at all.
For example:
- California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states, allowing pre-birth orders that establish intended parents as legal parents before the baby is born.
- Kansas has no statutes prohibiting surrogacy, so it is considered legal.
- Louisiana prohibits compensated surrogacy entirely.
When you and your surrogate live in different states, you’ll need attorneys who understand both states’ laws. This is where working with us makes all the difference.
We’ve spent years building relationships with legal professionals across the country who understand the nuances of interstate surrogacy.
Learn more about surrogacy laws in your state.
What Happens If Your State Has Restrictive Surrogacy Laws?
If you live in a state with restrictive or unclear surrogacy laws, don’t worry, you still have options.
Our team specializes in helping intended parents and surrogates navigate these situations, making sure every match is both legally sound and emotionally rewarding.
States Where We Cannot Match Surrogates
There are a few states where compensated surrogacy is either prohibited or so heavily restricted that we’re unable to work directly with surrogates who reside there.
- Louisiana: Compensated surrogacy is illegal.
- Nebraska: Nebraska’s surrogacy laws are unusually complex, and any compensated surrogacy contract is considered invalid under state law.
In both states, intended parents may still work with us and match with surrogates in more legally supportive states, ensuring their journey remains secure and compliant.
States Where We Can Work, But Not Match Within the State
There are also states where we can work with both surrogates and intended parents, but not match them with one another within that same state.
Both of these states have laws that make compensated surrogacy contracts unenforceable.
This doesn’t make surrogacy impossible, it just means we take extra care to protect everyone by coordinating matches across state lines in surrogacy-friendly jurisdictions.
How American Surrogacy Can Help You Find an Attorney for Surrogacy Across State Lines
At American Surrogacy, we’ve spent years working alongside reputable surrogacy attorneys across the country.
Our experience with cross-state arrangements means we understand how complex the legal side can feel and we’re here to make it easier.
While we don’t maintain official partnerships, we can connect you with trusted legal professionals in your state so you can research and choose the attorney who’s the best fit for you.
Ready for Legal Clarity? Let Us Help You Start Your Journey
Legal coordination across state lines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner, you’ll have access to experienced attorneys, clear guidance, and a team that keeps your journey moving forward.
Your family’s future is waiting. Fill out our contact form today to get personalized support and take the first step toward your surrogacy journey with confidence.