Helping Future Parents Achieve Their Dreams
Massachusetts has long been considered a surrogacy-friendly state, and the Massachusetts Parentage Act, effective January 1, 2025 (G.L. c. 209C, § 28 et seq.), has added a clearer statutory framework to the strong foundation of case law courts here had already established. Even so, intended parents regularly come to the...
Michigan has undergone a remarkable shift in surrogacy law. For nearly four decades, Michigan was one of the only states in the country to criminalize compensated surrogacy contracts, with violations carrying felony-level penalties. That changed when the Michigan Family Protection Act was signed into law in April 2024 and took...
Surrogacy is one of the most misunderstood paths to parenthood. For families in Massachusetts and beyond, considering it, sorting fact from fiction early makes the entire process less daunting and far better informed. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about surrogacy law and what is true. Myth: The...
If you plan to use a donated embryo, you may wonder how to protect your parental rights before transfer. In Massachusetts, the law offers clear paths when you take the right steps early. Careful planning before any medical procedure can help reduce future disputes and confusion. Why legal planning matters...
Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood built on collaboration and trust. Even with a strong agreement in place, you may worry about what happens if a surrogate changes her mind mid-pregnancy. Understanding how Massachusetts law handles these situations can bring clarity during an emotional time. Understanding the surrogacy agreement A...
Choosing an egg donor is often the most exciting first step on the journey to fatherhood. For many gay couples, this represents a moment of pure hope – a true step toward the family you have been working so hard to build. While this phase is deeply personal, you must...
Embryo donation offers families a chance to grow while giving unused embryos a new purpose. In Massachusetts, the process involves both medical and personal steps designed to ensure a safe and thoughtful match between donors and recipients. Starting the donation process Families who have completed their IVF treatments often have...
In Massachusetts, a pre-birth order plays an important role in ensuring that intended parents have legal recognition of their parental rights before the birth of their child. This order protects the rights of all parties involved in a surrogacy arrangement. Understanding the significance of a pre-birth order can help intended...
If you’re considering egg donation or planning to receive donor eggs, you may wonder how legal contracts hold up when people live in different states. It’s a common concern, especially with agencies, clinics, donors, and recipients often spread across the country. Why location matters in egg donation contracts Egg donation...
Donating embryos to someone you care about is a meaningful act. Whether the intended parents are close friends or relatives, you might wonder what your role becomes afterward. Questions about legal rights, shared values and staying in contact often come up, especially in known donations. Being clear on what to...
Starting a family is a deeply intimate and meaningful journey, but when it involves a third party, like a surrogate, it can also bring added layers of complexity. Some parents develop a bond with their surrogates, and many of them have a natural desire to maintain a connection. But navigating...
Egg donation is a deeply meaningful act that can help individuals and couples realize their dreams of becoming parents. In Massachusetts, the legal framework surrounding egg donation is designed to protect the rights and interests of all parties involved—the intended parents, the egg donor and the future child. Whether individuals...
Surrogacy is becoming an increasingly common way for individuals and couples to start or grow their families. However, there’s still a patchwork of surrogacy laws across the country. In fact, a number of states still don’t recognize surrogacy under the law. This can make it difficult for both intended parents...
Surrogacy can be an excellent way for many couples to become parents. Still, it is essential to plan carefully and communicate clearly to make sure everyone involved knows what to expect. Setting clear boundaries in a surrogacy agreement can help ensure everything goes smoothly. Understanding the basics In surrogacy, there...
Egg donation can be an emotional and complicated process that requires careful consideration and planning. As intended parents go through this process, they must have a well-drafted contract to protect the rights of all parties involved. If you are an intended parent, do you know the risks associated with unclear...
Gov. Maura Healey signed the historic Massachusetts Parentage Act on Aug. 9. The act updates the state’s parentage laws for the first time in 40 years and remedies Massachusetts’ dubious distinction of being the only New England state without legal protections for parentage. The law goes into effect on Jan....