The Role Of A Fertility Lawyer
The path to getting a child isn't necessarily an easy one. In many cases, couples may need to pursue alternative solutions, such as surrogacy or donated eggs/sperm. Unfortunately, these tend to bring a whole new slew of legal problems as well. Therefore, it's a good idea to talk to a fertility lawyer like Carmen L. Janssen Attorney at Law about any potential issues that may arise in the future. Here are some examples of the services that they provide:
Rights of Sperm and Egg Donors
If sperm or eggs are being donated in your situation, then you will want to take a look at how the rights of that donor will be handled. Will the donor maintain any rights over the future child? For instance, depending on the state, there might be laws that protect the rights of the biological father, regardless of whether or not they play an active role in the life of the child.
However, some sperm donors don't necessarily want those responsibilities, and many couples that are looking for a sperm donor wish to have exclusive rights to the child. There are many similar issues that arise when it comes to egg donors. For both parties, it's a good idea to talk to a fertility lawyer so that they can ensure that their legal needs are taken care of.
Surrogacy Rights
Surrogacy can also be a tricky field to navigate, since not every state allows for surrogate mothers. You might need to go to another state in order to find a surrogate mother, which can create a rather complicated web of legal problems. On top of that, some states allow for surrogacy, but only if there is no money involved. Therefore, a lawyer can be very helpful with the task of figuring out which state laws apply to your situation.
On top of that, traditional reproductive rights often identify the biological mother as the legal mother to the child. In many cases, adoption is needed in order to transfer ownership to the intended parents, even if they are paying the surrogate mother for her services. Therefore, it is crucial that you get a legal contract to ensure that the child will become yours. In order to make a bulletproof contract, a fertility lawyer can really help you out. Even if you don't end up hiring such a lawyer, a simple consultation can give you all the information that you need to go forward.