Raleigh Attorneys Offer Legal Assistance

Over the past few years, the field of assisted reproduction has experienced many exciting developments that have allowed countless couples to achieve their family-building dreams. Many of these assisted reproduction techniques involve third parties, such as sperm donors, egg donors, and surrogates.

The reliance on third parties has brought with it a host of new legal issues that have cropped up regarding the rights of those involved, including both the donors or surrogates and the intended parents. In order to protect the rights of these people, a new field of law called Family Building Law or Reproductive Technology Law has developed.

Raleigh Infertility Law Practices

If you are considering trying a fertility treatment that requires the services of a third party, it is a good idea to talk first with a reproductive law attorney. These attorneys draw up contracts that clarify custody and deal with other issues that may come up, like embryo disposition or insurance claim denials.

The following reproductive technology lawyers and law firms in Raleigh work with intended parents:

• Bobby D. Mills
• Haas & Associates, P.A.
• Sharon A. Thompson

Surrogacy

Many reproductive technology lawyers consider surrogacy to be the most legally complex of the assisted reproduction techniques, especially if traditional surrogacy is used. In traditional surrogacy, a surrogate is inseminated with sperm to fertilize her own eggs, so the child is related biologically to her.

In North Carolina, there is no law that specifically deals with surrogacy or surrogacy agreements. However, other laws, such as North Carolina adoption law, make it seem as if surrogacy agreements without monetary gain may be allowed. North Carolina adoption law states that no money exceeding medical expenses or living expenses can exchange hands during an adoption.

If you are planning on using surrogacy, your reproductive technology lawyer will draw up a surrogacy agreement. This will clarify the custody of the child, as well as describe how the surrogacy fee will be paid.

Adoption

If you are considering either a domestic or international adoption, you should retain the services of an adoption attorney. Your attorney will help you through all steps of the process and will draw up a post-adoption agreement. This will clarify the custody of the child, as well as state which role, if any, the birth parents will play in the child’s life.