An escrow account needs to support the journey as it actually unfolds. A budget that covers only the most predictable payments can leave Intended Parents unprepared for approved incidentals. In this video, Frank explains why a reserve is part of responsible planning.
The amount to fund and the person responsible for funding it depend on the program and signed agreements. Start with those documents, then ask how the account will be monitored throughout your journey.
A reserve is different from a spending target
Setting money aside does not mean every dollar will be spent. It means that funds are available when an eligible expense becomes due. Possible categories to discuss include approved travel changes, childcare, lost wages, and other benefits identified in the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement.
A reserve also gives you a clearer picture of your financial readiness. If your entire budget is committed to the expected payments, ask how you would handle an additional covered obligation without delaying payment to your Surrogate or a service provider.
Know who funds the account
In Golden Signature’s variable cost structure, Intended Parents fund third-party and journey expenses separately. Golden Guarantee uses a different structure: Golden funds the independent third-party escrow account for covered obligations. Non-covered requests or excluded expenses may still require separate funding under the agreement.
These differences affect how you should read advice about “your escrow balance.” Review the Golden Guarantee program explanation and the terms for your selected program before assuming that unused funds, additional deposits, or reimbursements work the same way.
Build a practical funding checklist
- Identify the opening deposit and any later funding milestones.
- Ask which expenses are paid from escrow and which are paid directly to providers.
- Confirm how a low-balance notice is sent and who responds to it.
- Keep approvals and receipts with the related expense record.
- Ask how remaining obligations and eligible unused funds are handled at the end of the journey.
Keep the reserve visible in your budget
Include an escrow reserve as its own line in your planning worksheet. Avoid counting the same money twice as both a reserve and funds already needed for a scheduled payment. When the journey changes, review the forecast with your team instead of relying on the original estimate.
Our surrogacy escrow guide explains the account’s role in greater detail. Use that guide and your escrow agreement to prepare questions about administration, payment requests, and the responsibilities of each party.
