Why do I need an Agency? Can’t I just find my own Surrogate?
As a new Intended Parent, there are many intricacies to the world of third-party reproduction, most of which you may not understand or be aware of. Without experience, the respective surrogacy laws, medical processes and normal occurrences of surrogacy can be quite overwhelming to manage. Creating a family should be the happiest moment in ones life. However, attempting to coordinate the entire process can detract from your joy and happiness while adding many unwanted stress factors.
Golden Surrogacy recruits only the best selection of the most thoroughly screened Surrogates while also providing a smooth path through all of the financial and legal agreements. This helps keep you relaxed and focused on your new life as a parent.
Sit back, enjoy, and let our dedicated team here at Golden Surrogacy take care of you every step of the way!
How are the Escrow Funds managed?
First and foremost, your escrow funds are safe and insured!
We partner with an attorney that specializes in Trust Account Management Services. Funds are maintained and distributed in accordance with the highest level of fiduciary and ethical standards. Monies are held in an Interest Only Lawyer’s Trust Account and managed by a Certified Public Accountant. Utilizing an independent firm eliminates the potential conflict of interest that arises when a surrogacy agency is holding escrow funds while also representing all parties to the reproductive arrangement.
After a successful match has been made between the Intended Parent(s) and Surrogate, and upon the execution of your legal contract, they then collect the entire deposit for your escrow account. All compensation payments relating to your surrogate will then be distributed as per the guidelines outlined in your contract. The same process would also apply to your Egg Donor when applicable.
Our Director of Operations, Adam Golden works closely with the Escrow Management firm and monitors all transactions for accuracy. He acts as the main point of contact for our Intended Parents regarding all escrow and financial related matters.
Where do you find your Surrogates? Do they reside in "Surrogate Friendly" states?
Our Surrogates are recruited primarily through word-of-mouth referrals, and also at times, by utilizing the many facets of social media and the world wide web. During the onboarding process, all qualified candidates who meet our list of requirements are then rigorously screened to ensure the accuracy of the information as depicted in their profile.
We only recruit Surrogates from “Surrogate Friendly” states. It doesn’t matter where the Intended Parent(s) live, as long their Surrogate is from a “Surrogate Friendly” state, all of the parentage rights will transfer over with minimal legal proceedings. We ensure that you are paired with top-notch attorneys who specialize in reproductive law to guide you through the entire process.
Do I have to live in Illinois where your Agency is located?
Nope! You do not have to live in Illinois to be a Surrogate with our Agency. You can live in any of the Surrogate Friendly states from which we recruit. If you are unsure about whether your state is good for Surrogacy, please email info@goldensurrogacy.com to check.
After a successful match with Intended Parent(s) you will be flown to the location of their clinic for your screening. All expenses are paid by the Intended Parent(s). You do not have to live in the same state as the Intended Parents or their clinic. As your Agency, we will coordinate all travel and appointments to make your journey as stress free as possible.
If I’ve had my tubes tied (tubal ligation), can I still be a Surrogate?
Yes! In Gestational Surrogacy your fallopian tubes are not needed. You will be impregnated by having an embryo transferred directly into your uterus.
Do you issue 1099 tax forms to your Surrogates?
Nope! We are not in the business of providing tax advice. We do not issue 1099 forms or require that you pay taxes on your compensation. What you do with your compensation is solely your responsibility.
For tax advice you should contact a licensed Certified Public Accountant who specializes in tax filings.
What are the differences between Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy?
In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, Intended Parents create embryos through in vitro fertilization, using their own genetic material or eggs from a donor. One or more of the embryos is then implanted into the Gestational Surrogate, (or also referred to as the gestational carrier) who then carries the child or children to full term, but has no genetic relationship to them.
By contrast, a Traditional Surrogate is impregnated through artificial insemination, utilizing her own eggs, thus giving the surrogate a genetic connection to the child(ren) they are carrying for the Intended Parents.
Here at Golden Surrogacy we only recruit Gestational Surrogates and manage Gestational Surrogacy arrangements.
What level of communication is expected between the Intended Parent(s) and the Surrogates?
Here at Golden Surrogacy we treat the matching process with the high level of importance that it deserves. Your desired communication goals will be at the forefront of our conversation prior to the matching phase.
However, the outcome can vary greatly depending on the chemistry between everyone involved. It is imperative that Intended Parents and Surrogates discuss this topic and mutually decide upon an acceptable level of interaction that is agreeably suitable prior to the signing of legal contracts.
What is my compensation?
Compensation
- This is the standard compensation structure for Golden Surrogates. However we recognize that compensation is a personal choice. Therefore, our Surrogates may negotiate and set their own amounts upon request.
- Base
$50,0001st time Surrogates Regardless of State Regardless of Insurance Regardless of Employment No 1099 Issued! Experienced Surrogates +$5k - Standard Golden Benefits
$20,000$500 Matching Bonus $500/mo (x 14mo) $1,500 Clothing Allowance $1,500 Med Start Fee $1,500 Embryo Transfer Fee $8,000 Milestone Bonus (Legal Finalization & 1st Transfer) - Minimum Total
$70,000Base + Standard Benefits - Many agencies falsely advertise a high compensation amount which includes base comp + every catastrophic incidental fee, such as having a c-section or loss of uterus.
In addition to the base compensation and standard extra allowances, Intended Parents pay the Surrogate’s legal fees, medical bills, mileage to and from doctors/lab appointments, childcare for doctor/ lab appointments, lost wages, airfare, hotel accommodations, and a meal allowance for out of town travel for the Surrogate and their companion and other expenses as detailed in your agreement.
Below is a list of incidental and reimbursement fees that a Surrogate may be eligible to receive depending on the unique circumstances of her journey.
Incidentals
| Surrogate Lost Wages | Actual lost wage amount paystub & schedule verified |
| Spouse/Partner Lost Wages | Actual lost wage amount paystub & schedule verified |
| Bed Rest | $350/wk |
| Child Care | $14/hr up to $250/day for overnight care |
| Multiples Fee | $10,000/Additional Child |
| C-Section | $5,000 |
| Meal Allowance | $50/day $25/day companion |
| Mileage Reimbursement | $.585/mile or current IRS guidelines |
| Breastmilk | $350/week + Shipping & Supplies |
| Counseling & Support Services | up to $1,000 benefit |
Rare Circumstances
| Invasive Procedure HSG, ERA Biopsy, Mock Cycle, Dropped Cycle, Hysteroscopy, or Cerclage. | $500 |
| Dilation & Curettage, Selective Reduction, or Termination | $2,000 per procedure |
| Amniocentesis or CVS | $1,000 first insertion, $500 subsequent |
| Loss of Reproductive Organs | $500 per tube $500 per ovary $4,000 uterus $5,000 uterus & cervix |
Will I get to keep my OB?
Yes! Our Surrogates are allowed to work with their regular OB after they have been released from the IVF clinic’s care. However, in rare instances some Intended Parents may request an alternate OB based on location, hospital facilities & quality of care, or for legal purposes having to do with establishing parental rights. Again, in most cases this is not an issue and you will be allowed to maintain your own OB.
How long does it take to be matched with the Intended Parent(s)?
The actual process of being matched can take place in a few hours, a few weeks or sometimes longer. This depends on how fast and timely you are with signing and returning the agency forms back to us. After you complete our online profile we will ask that you sign our agency agreement, background check form, insurance verification form, and medical release waivers. Only then can we begin to request your medical records for review. It can take anywhere from 30-90 days for your medical providers to get your records to us after we’ve submitted a request. This will vary based on location and length of pregnancy history. After your records have been reviewed and we determine that you are eligible, we can begin the matching phase.
The average match is generally completed in 30-60 days, as we like to take our time and thoroughly find the best placement that will result in the highest chance for success and happiness. The Surrogate and Intended Parent relationship can vary widely. Our best efforts are made to create a seamless and cohesive match which results in chemistry and positivity throughout the journey.
What type of testing is required?
Surrogates and their spouse/partner (if applicable) normally take a range of tests, based on the requirements of the clinic and some FDA requirements. Initially, the Surrogate and her spouse/partner (if applicable) will undergo a battery of infectious disease testing as well as testing for Nicotine and illegal drug use. The Intended Parents can also request that the Surrogate is tested for Nicotine or illegal drug use at anytime throughout the pregnancy.
Which Egg Donation arrangement is recommended? Anonymous, Open, or Semi-Open?
Most Egg Donors engage in an anonymous egg donation agreement. This is usually the most preferred arrangement which can be less challenging from a legal perspective, while offering the most protection for everyone involved. The Intended Parent(s) or Egg Donor can always work through the agency to request future contact at a later date after the birth of any resulting child(ren) as long as the request is mutual.
However, should you initially choose an open or semi-open donation then the Egg Donor agency or IVF clinic will work closely with your attorney to outline the terms for an appropriate level of communication that is agreeable to all parties.
What is the best way to choose an Egg Donor?
Choosing an egg donor is an important decision and may feel overwhelming. Some Intended Parents choose donors primarily based on physical attributes, or one who shares in their own ethnic, religious, or cultural background. Still, others hope to find an Egg Donor who is healthy and athletic or has musical and artistic talent.
This is obviously a very personal choice, and one that you must take time to consider.