Bringing a child into the world through surrogacy is a moment filled with hope, anticipation, and emotion. For intended parents in Michigan, the recent legalization of compensated surrogacy provides new clarity and legal support, but that does not mean the process is simple. A surrogacy agreement is more than just legal language. It is about protecting the future of your family and ensuring that everyone involved shares the same vision and expectations from the outset.
This is your child, your journey, and your future. The more intentional you are in going into the agreement, the more confident and secure you will feel throughout the experience.
Before You Draft Anything, Ask the Questions That Matter Most
Michigan law now supports legally recognized, compensated surrogacy agreements. That is an important step forward, but as an intended parent, you still need to make decisions about how you want this journey to look.
Some of the most important questions to ask yourself include:
- What role, if any, do you want the surrogate to have after the birth?
- Are you and your partner aligned on expectations regarding communication, involvement, and updates during the pregnancy?
- How will medical decisions be handled if unexpected complications arise?
- What are your expectations for the birth plan, delivery location, and who will be present?
- How will you and the surrogate handle sensitive issues like unforeseen medical issues for either the surrogate or the baby?
These questions can be emotional, and there may not always be easy answers. But discussing them in advance, before anything is written down, will help shape a surrogacy agreement that truly reflects your goals and values.
Aligning Expectations and Avoiding Future Conflicts
The legal surrogacy agreement formalizes your decisions, but the groundwork begins with honest conversations. A strong agreement outlines details such as financial responsibilities, timelines, parental rights, and medical authority, but it also reflects deeper understandings about trust and respect.
For example:
- If your surrogate lives far away, how often will you be in touch?
- Will you be attending prenatal appointments in person or virtually?
- How should sensitive information, such as test results, be shared and discussed?
Having clarity on these points before signing an agreement gives you the best chance of building a cooperative, positive relationship with your surrogate throughout the journey.
Your Attorney Is Your Guide and Advocate
Michigan requires that both intended parents and surrogates have separate legal representation, and for good reason. Your attorney is there to make sure you are not only following the law, but that your long-term interests as a parent are protected. That includes securing your legal parentage, helping you navigate hospital policies, and drafting an agreement that gives you the confidence to focus on the excitement ahead.
Let’s Build a Clear Path to Parenthood Together
At our Michigan surrogacy law firm, we help intended parents consider the emotional and legal aspects of the journey they are about to undertake. We are here to listen, guide, and create a legal foundation that supports your goals as you grow your family.
Our team brings firsthand experience to surrogacy law, including one of our founding attorneys who became a parent through surrogacy. That personal journey informs the way we approach every case—with empathy, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the challenges involved. We have had the privilege of helping many Michigan families navigate surrogacy agreements with confidence and care, providing trusted legal guidance from start to finish.
If you are considering surrogacy in Michigan, contact our Plymouth surrogacy attorneys today to schedule a consultation. We will help you ask the right questions, avoid costly surprises, and move forward with clarity and confidence.