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.
The Role Surrogacy Attorneys Play in Interstate Surrogacy
Surrogacy attorneys are the foundation of a legally secure journey. They protect the rights of intended parents and surrogates, draft and review gestational carrier agreements, and establish legal parentage while navigating the specific laws of each state involved.
In cross-state surrogacy, legal coordination becomes even more important. Your attorney needs to understand your state’s laws, while your surrogate’s attorney must know her state’s requirements.
These attorneys work together to ensure the contract complies with both jurisdictions.
While attorneys handle the legal work, we facilitate the connections. We maintain a nationwide network of trusted surrogacy attorneys in both states. Our coordination prevents mismatched legal advice and keeps your journey on track.
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.
What Is a Gestational Carrier Agreement—and Why It’s Essential
A gestational carrier agreement (GCA) is the legal foundation of every surrogacy journey.
It’s a detailed contract that outlines each party’s rights, responsibilities, expectations, and decisions throughout the process, including compensation, medical choices, and what happens before, during, and after pregnancy.
Why This Agreement Matters
For intended parents, the GCA ensures your parental rights are clearly defined and legally protected. It establishes how medical and financial decisions will be handled and gives you confidence that your family-building process is secure from start to finish.
For surrogates, the agreement guarantees fair compensation, outlines medical expectations, and protects your rights and well-being throughout the pregnancy. It also ensures you have a clear understanding of your role and support at every step.
How Cross-State Laws Affect Your Agreement
When an intended parent and surrogate live in different states, the GCA must meet the legal requirements of both. For example, some states require post-birth parentage orders or additional legal steps before parentage can be confirmed.
Your attorney will make sure your agreement reflects both states’ laws so that your parental rights are recognized everywhere they need to be — and your surrogate’s protections remain strong and enforceable.
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.
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.
1. Guidance to Qualified Surrogacy Attorneys
We’ll share names of experienced surrogacy attorneys in both your state and your surrogate’s state.
These professionals understand the ins and outs of interstate surrogacy laws and can make sure your contract is fully compliant and protective of everyone involved.
2. Coordination That Keeps Things Moving
Your attorney handles the legal details, but our team stays in the loop — communicating with both attorneys and your medical team to keep everything organized and on schedule.
3. A Legally Prepared, Low-Stress Journey
Connecting you with experienced attorneys from the start helps you avoid unnecessary delays and protect your rights. Our process is designed to keep your surrogacy journey legally sound and emotionally smooth.
When you work with American Surrogacy, you don’t have to navigate the legal side alone, you’ll have a team that believes in preparation, transparency, and helping families move forward with confidence.
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.