Minneapolis Attorneys Offer Legal Assistance in Building Families

Fertility treatments that utilize third parties, such as egg donors and surrogates, are among the most legally complex. They bring up a variety of new legal issues. Attorneys are now specializing in this emerging field of law, which is called Family Building Law or Reproductive Technology Law. Before you begin third-party fertility treatments, it is recommended you retain the services of a lawyer who specializes in this field.

Minneapolis Law Practices

Lawyers who specialize in reproductive law can help you by drafting legal contracts that clearly state your rights and the rights of the third-party involved, such as the donors or the surrogates. These contracts can also clearly state that the third-party surrogate or donor does not intend to seek custody of the resulting child.

Before you begin these fertility procedures, it is helpful to talk first with a reproductive lawyer. This can help protect you from legal issues that may crop up later.

The following attorneys specialize in assisted reproductive technology law in Minneapolis:

• Gary A. Debele
• Jody O. DeSmidt
• Stacia W. Driver
• William P. Harrie
• Judith D. Vincent
• Wright S. Walling

Surrogacy

Surrogacy is often considered the most legally complex of the assisted reproductive technologies. It is recommended you talk first with a reproductive lawyer before you begin the surrogacy process.

Currently, Minnesota does not have any clear laws regarding surrogacy agreements. An unpublished Minnesota Court of Appeals case in 2007 seems to rule in favor of surrogacy agreements. However, a bill legalizing gestational agreements was vetoed by Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2008.

Because the law is unclear, it is important you retain the services of a reproductive lawyer. Your lawyer will help draw up a surrogacy agreement, that will clearly state that the surrogate does not intend to seek custody of the child. Your surrogacy agreement should also define the base fee, as well as additional fees, which can be for transportation, multiple births, invasive procedures, or caesarian section.

Adoption

If you are planning to adopt a child either domestically or internationally, an adoption lawyer can help you with the legal issues that may arise. Your lawyer will help explain the state laws in regard to adoption, and will draft a post-adoption agreement, which will state what role the birth parents will play in the child’s life.