What is the Legal Process in Virginia for a Surrogate Mother or Gestational Carrier Arrangement?
The first step in the process is entering into a contract governed by Virginia law prior to the assisted reproductive technology procedure (artificial insemination or in vitro placement) taking place. The second step is having the birth certificate amended after the birth of the child. This two-step process is relatively simple and can be done as long as the child is born in Virginia. For children born outside of Virginia, or to obtain a pre-birth order, a court order is required and the process is more involved. The legal fee cost of drafting the assisted reproductive technology contract typically runs on average between $1,000 and $1,500. The legal fee cost of the second step of amending the birth certificate generally runs on average between $750 to $1,000. These estimates are for legal services only and do not include any costs associated with the medical procedure itself or with obtaining DNA testing. These costs also do not reflect the cost of legal representation for the surroga
