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Surrogacy FAQs for Intended Parents

Q: How long has Golden been in business?

Golden Surrogacy has been in business since 2013. Our agency was founded by Frank and Adam Golden after their own personal experience as Intended Parents, and that lived experience continues to shape the way Golden supports families today. Over more than a decade, Golden has grown into a premium surrogacy agency known for thoughtful matching, careful Surrogate screening, high-touch journey management, and strong Intended Parent and Surrogate support. Golden's work is not built around volume alone. It is built around experience, structure, transparency, and a commitment to guiding each journey with care. Golden is also a licensed surrogacy agency. As part of our broader compliance history, Golden was one of the first five surrogacy agencies to receive a state license in New York. That process required extensive compliance work, audits, ethical review, and review of agency practices, which reflects the level of operational seriousness and accountability Golden brings to its program. For Intended Parents, this history matters. You are not only choosing a team that has been active in surrogacy for more than a decade. You are choosing an agency that has also completed one of the most rigorous state licensing processes in the country.

Golden Surrogacy’s Intended Parent FAQ is designed to help answer common questions about matching, screening, costs, legal considerations, and the surrogacy journey. Explore the topics below to better understand what to expect and how our team supports Intended Parents throughout the process.

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Getting Started and Golden’s Services

What Golden does, how a journey begins, and what makes the program different.

How do I begin a surrogacy journey with Golden?

A journey begins with a consultation. Golden reviews your circumstances, explains the program options, and confirms whether the program is a good fit before any commitment is made.

Request a consultation and speak with the Golden team.
Select Golden Signature or Golden Guarantee and complete enrollment.
Complete orientation, program paperwork, matching preferences, and the Intended Parent psychoeducational consultation.
Confirm clinic and embryo readiness so a Surrogate can be presented for match consideration.

The full sequence is documented on the Surrogacy Process page, and the standards Golden asks Intended Parents to meet are on the Intended Parent Requirements page.

What does Golden Surrogacy do for Intended Parents?

Golden Surrogacy helps Intended Parents navigate the full gestational surrogacy process with structure, transparency, and high-touch support from the first conversation through delivery and beyond.

Our primary role is to help Intended Parents find and match with a qualified Gestational Surrogate, but our work extends far beyond the introduction. Golden manages Premium Surrogate Sourcing, Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, Intended Parent profile review, thoughtful matching, clinic coordination, legal referral coordination, escrow support, insurance coordination, travel planning, pregnancy milestone tracking, hospital coordination, and ongoing Care Team support throughout the journey.

Golden is especially focused on candidate quality and journey management. Before a Surrogate is presented for match consideration, our team coordinates professional review of pregnancy history, delivery history, medical records, insurance, and psychological readiness while evaluating the candidate’s support system, location, delivery hospital access, and overall fit for the journey. Golden facilitates medical-record collection through a professional third-party service and coordinates clinical review by qualified medical professionals; Golden does not provide medical assessments. This helps Intended Parents move forward with stronger information and greater confidence.

Once a match is made, Golden helps coordinate the many professionals involved in the process, including IVF clinics, reproductive attorneys, escrow providers, insurance professionals, local monitoring facilities, medical offices, and hospital teams. Our goal is to keep the journey organized, reduce confusion, and help both Intended Parents and Surrogates feel supported at each major step.

Golden does not operate an in-house egg donation program. However, we can provide trusted egg donation resources and IVF clinic referrals when Intended Parents need help identifying providers or understanding how those pieces fit into the larger surrogacy journey.

For Intended Parents, Golden’s value is not simply that we help find a Surrogate. It is that we provide a carefully managed, premium agency experience built around strong screening, clear communication, experienced coordination, and meaningful support during one of the most important journeys of your life.

Why choose Golden Surrogacy?

Golden Surrogacy is designed for Intended Parents who want a premium, carefully managed surrogacy experience rather than a high-volume or lowest-cost agency model.

Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee are built around Enhanced Surrogate Criteria, Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, direct Care Team access, experienced coordination, trusted third-party referrals, and strong journey oversight. Our process is intentionally selective because matching, screening, legal coordination, insurance review, escrow support, clinic communication, and pregnancy management all require careful attention.

Golden’s value is not simply that we help Intended Parents find a Surrogate. It is that we help guide the entire journey with structure, transparency, experience, and a high level of personal support from beginning to end.

For Intended Parents who value careful screening, premium coordination, and a more personalized agency experience, Golden offers a level of service that is intentionally different from a high-volume surrogacy model. A fuller comparison is available on Why Golden for Intended Parents.

Why do I need a surrogacy agency?

A surrogacy journey involves medical, legal, financial, logistical, and relationship considerations that are difficult to manage alone. A strong agency helps coordinate those moving pieces while supporting both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate throughout the journey.

Golden assists with Premium Surrogate Sourcing, Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, thoughtful matching, clinic communication, insurance review, legal referral coordination, escrow support, travel coordination, milestone tracking, and delivery planning.

For Intended Parents comparing agency options, it is important to look beyond whether an agency can simply introduce you to a Surrogate. The more meaningful question is whether the agency has the experience, screening standards, communication structure, and journey management process needed to support the full path ahead.

If you are still comparing options, choosing a successful surrogacy agency can help you evaluate screening, transparency, support, and long-term fit more intelligently.

How long has Golden been in business?

Golden Surrogacy has been in business since 2013. Our agency was founded by Frank and Adam Golden after their own personal experience as Intended Parents, and that lived experience continues to shape the way Golden supports families today.

Over more than a decade, Golden has grown into a premium surrogacy agency known for thoughtful matching, careful Surrogate screening, high-touch journey management, and strong Intended Parent and Surrogate support. Golden’s work is not built around volume alone. It is built around experience, structure, transparency, and a commitment to guiding each journey with care.

Golden is also a licensed surrogacy agency. As part of our broader compliance history, Golden was one of the first five surrogacy agencies to receive a state license in New York. That process required extensive compliance work, audits, ethical review, and review of agency practices, which reflects the level of operational seriousness and accountability Golden brings to its program.

For Intended Parents, this history matters. You are not only choosing a team that has been active in surrogacy for more than a decade. You are choosing an agency that has also completed one of the most rigorous state licensing processes in the country.

Is Golden licensed to operate in New York?

Yes. Golden Surrogacy is a licensed surrogacy agency, authorized to operate in New York.

New York has one of the most structured surrogacy frameworks in the United States, and the state requires agencies serving New York surrogacy arrangements to meet specific licensing and compliance expectations. Golden was one of the first five surrogacy agencies to receive a state license in New York.

Receiving this license required extensive compliance work, audits, ethical review, and demonstration of agency practices. For Intended Parents, this means Golden has gone through a formal review process connected to legal, clinical, ethical, and program operations.

While surrogacy law and licensing requirements can vary by state and should always be reviewed with qualified reproductive legal counsel, Golden’s New York license reflects our commitment to operating with structure, transparency, and strong professional standards.

Do Intended Parents need a medical reason to pursue surrogacy?

Golden accepts Intended Parents who have an established need for gestational surrogacy. That need may be physical, reproductive, anatomical, or psychological, and it includes Intended Parents for whom carrying a pregnancy is medically unsafe, medically inadvisable, or biologically impossible.

Golden does not participate in elective or social surrogacy pursued solely to avoid pregnancy without an established need. If you are unsure whether your circumstances qualify, speak with your physician or a licensed mental health professional and with the Golden team. The full standard is documented on the Intended Parent Requirements page.

Does Golden support single and LGBTQ+ Intended Parents?

Yes. Golden works with single Intended Parents and with LGBTQ+ Intended Parents, including gay couples, single fathers, lesbian couples, single mothers, and transgender and nonbinary Intended Parents. Golden was founded by Frank and Adam Golden after their own experience building a family through surrogacy.

Each Intended Parent must be at least 21. Upper-age guidance differs by family structure: a maximum combined age of 110 for couples and 54 for single individuals. Details are on the Intended Parent Requirements page, and family-building pathways are explained on the LGBTQ+ Surrogacy page.

Does Golden require Intended Parents to be proficient in English?

Yes. Golden requires Intended Parents to be proficient in English so they can communicate directly with their Surrogate, understand program expectations, participate in medical and legal coordination, and respond to time-sensitive journey decisions.

Clear communication is also important for building rapport and maintaining a supportive relationship with the Surrogate. Intended Parents who have questions about this requirement should discuss their circumstances with Golden during the initial consultation. Full program readiness standards are on the Intended Parent Requirements page.

What is the Intended Parent psychoeducational consultation?

It is generally a 50 to 60 minute session with a reproductive mental health professional that prepares Intended Parents for the emotional, relationship, social, and ethical aspects of third-party reproduction. It is psychoeducational rather than therapy or a pass-or-fail psychological examination.

The session may address family-building history, coping strategies, communication with the Surrogate, boundaries, planning for difficult outcomes, disclosure to the future child, and postpartum expectations. It may also satisfy applicable fertility-clinic documentation or clearance requirements.

It is different from the Surrogate’s psychological assessment. A Surrogate’s assessment includes a clinical interview and may include psychometric testing such as the MMPI-2 or PAI. Golden’s full description is on the Intended Parent Requirements page.

How long does the surrogacy process take?

There are many components to a surrogacy journey which influence the overall timeline and everyone’s path is different. In general, the entire process can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months from the time you retain the surrogacy agency until holding your baby.

Review the complete Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents to learn about the eight coordinated stages involved.

What are your success rates?

Live-birth totals should not be used as the only measure of a surrogacy agency’s success. A surrogacy agency does not control embryo quality, genetic testing results, embryology, IVF protocol, implantation, miscarriage risk, or live birth outcome. Those medical factors are managed by the fertility clinic and reproductive endocrinologist.

At Golden, we believe Intended Parents should evaluate agency success by the factors an agency can more directly influence, including Surrogate screening, match quality, clinic approval readiness, journey coordination, communication, reputation, and the level of support provided throughout the process.

Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee are built around Golden’s Enhanced Surrogate Criteria, Premium Surrogate Sourcing, Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, thoughtful matching, and high-touch journey management. These standards are designed to support stronger match readiness and a more carefully managed experience, while still recognizing that surrogacy and IVF involve medical variables no agency can guarantee.

Golden tracks internal journey data, including clinic approval and delivery-related metrics, to help evaluate the strength of our screening process. These figures are agency experience metrics and should not be interpreted as medical guarantees or promises of pregnancy, delivery type, or live birth.

If you want a better framework for evaluating surrogacy agencies, read choosing a successful surrogacy agency. If you also want to understand how to evaluate the medical side of success more intelligently, how to choose the best IVF clinic for surrogacy is a helpful companion.

Golden-specific metrics

Enhanced Surrogate Criteria. Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee are built around Golden’s Enhanced Surrogate Criteria, a more selective screening framework designed to identify strong candidates before they are presented for match consideration. Our process looks closely at pregnancy history, delivery history, BMI, overall health, medical records, insurance, psychological readiness, support system, and other important factors that may affect the journey. While no agency can eliminate medical risk or guarantee a pregnancy outcome, Golden’s approach is designed to help Intended Parents move forward with a Surrogate candidate who has been reviewed with exceptional care. This level of screening supports better match readiness, stronger clinic review, and a more carefully managed experience for both Intended Parents and Surrogates.
99% Matching Success. Golden’s matching process is highly personalized and carefully guided. Before an introduction is made, our team evaluates the Intended Parents’ preferences, the Surrogate’s expectations, medical readiness, logistical considerations, and overall alignment between the parties. As a result, the overwhelming majority of Golden introductions move forward into an official match. This reflects the care and preparation that happen before an introduction ever takes place.
99% Surrogate to Clinic Approval. Golden pre-screens Surrogate candidates extensively before profile presentation. This helps reduce the likelihood that Intended Parents become emotionally invested in a match that is unlikely to move forward medically. While final medical approval is always determined by the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic, Golden’s screening process is designed to present candidates who are already strong potential candidates for clinical review. Based on Golden’s internal journey data, approximately 99% of Golden Surrogates receive clinic approval.
98% Surrogate Vaginal Deliveries. Golden’s Enhanced Surrogate Criteria place significant emphasis on prior pregnancy and delivery history. This includes reviewing whether a candidate has a history of uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, whether she has had prior cesarean sections, and whether her overall obstetric history supports moving forward. Based on Golden’s internal journey data, approximately 98% of Golden Surrogates have uncomplicated vaginal births. Vaginal delivery may support a smoother recovery for the Surrogate and may reduce certain journey-related expenses, such as extended lost wages or additional recovery needs. However, delivery method is always a medical decision made by the treating providers based on the health and safety of the Surrogate and baby.
Stellar Reputation. Golden Surrogacy has been guiding families through gestational surrogacy for more than a decade. During that time, we have supported hundreds of journeys while maintaining a strong reputation for service, communication, and thoughtful journey management. Our agency is intentionally selective because we believe every journey deserves careful attention. Intended Parents and Surrogates are trusting us with one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. Golden’s reputation is built on high standards, compassionate support, and a commitment to providing a premium experience from the first conversation through delivery and beyond.

Programs and Pricing

Golden Signature, Golden Guarantee, planning estimates, and what each structure covers.

How much does surrogacy cost?

Golden’s two primary Intended Parent pathways are Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee.

Golden Signature is Golden’s premium Variable Cost Surrogacy pathway. Golden’s agency fee is $65,000. When estimated third-party journey expenses are included, the overall planning estimate is approximately $230,000 for Intended Parents who already have embryos created and experience a straightforward journey. Because Golden Signature is a Variable Cost pathway, Golden recommends Intended Parents have $300,000+ available before beginning.

Golden Guarantee is Golden’s All-In Fixed Cost Surrogacy pathway at $275,000 for covered journey expenses under the program agreement. Golden Guarantee excludes IVF, egg donation, embryo creation, genetic testing, embryo storage, newborn medical expenses, multiples, and special requests or circumstances outside the program terms.

The actual amount spent may vary depending on program selection, the Surrogate match, insurance, legal requirements, IVF clinic needs, embryo status, and other journey-specific factors. Full detail is on the Surrogacy Costs page, and financing options are covered in Costs and Financing.

What is the difference between Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee?

Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee are Golden’s two primary Intended Parent program options. Both include Golden’s Enhanced Surrogate Criteria, Premium Surrogate Sourcing, Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, high-touch journey management, and dedicated Care Team coordination. The primary difference is the financial structure.

Golden Signature is Golden’s premium Variable Cost Surrogacy pathway. Intended Parents pay Golden’s agency fee and separately pay or fund third-party and journey-related expenses as they become due. This structure may cost less when the journey is straightforward, but costs can increase if additional screening, rematching, insurance changes, legal work, travel, pregnancy complications, or additional embryo transfers are needed.

Golden Guarantee is Golden’s All-In Fixed Cost Surrogacy pathway. It is designed for Intended Parents who want greater financial predictability for covered journey expenses under the program agreement. Rather than paying each covered journey expense separately as it arises, Golden Guarantee groups many major covered expenses into one fixed program structure.

Golden Guarantee excludes IVF, egg donation, embryo creation, genetic testing, embryo storage, newborn medical expenses, multiples, and special requests or circumstances outside the program terms.

For Intended Parents who are comfortable with a variable-cost structure and want the opportunity for a lower total cost when the journey is straightforward, Golden Signature may be the better fit. For Intended Parents who prioritize predictability and want a more protected cost structure for covered journey expenses, Golden Guarantee may be the better fit. Compare both on the Surrogacy Costs page and the Golden Guarantee page.

Matching and Surrogate Screening

Sourcing, Enhanced Surrogate Criteria, pre-screening, match timing, communication, and delivery.

How long does it take to match with a Surrogate?

Golden is not a high-volume matching program, and Surrogates are not assigned to Intended Parents. Matching is a carefully curated process that depends on agency capacity, Surrogate applicant flow, clinic readiness, embryo status, legal considerations, personal matching preferences, and the preferences of available Surrogate candidates.

New Intended Parent enrollees should generally expect the matching process to take at least 6 months, and in many cases 12 months or longer. Exact timelines vary based on each family’s profile, including domestic or international status, single or partnered parent status, embryo quantity and quality, desired match criteria, queue placement, and other journey-specific factors.

Golden prioritizes careful screening, strong match readiness, and appropriate fit over speed alone. Intended Parents whose primary goal is the fastest possible match, regardless of screening depth or match quality, may be better suited for a different agency model.

For a deeper explanation of queue dynamics, screening realities, and why Surrogates may seem to match faster than Intended Parents, read how long does it take to be matched?

How do you find your Surrogates?

Golden identifies Surrogates through Premium Surrogate Sourcing, which includes referral relationships, targeted digital outreach, community awareness, social media, prior journey connections, and ongoing recruitment campaigns.

Premium Surrogate Sourcing is not focused simply on generating the largest possible applicant pool. Golden invests additional time and recruiting resources in identifying candidates whose pregnancy history, delivery history, health profile, and overall readiness meet our Enhanced Surrogate Criteria.

Once a candidate applies, she must complete Golden’s Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening before she can be considered for match presentation. This ensures that matching is based on candidate quality, readiness, clinic alignment, and relationship fit rather than availability alone.

How are Surrogates screened before matching?

Candidates identified through Premium Surrogate Sourcing must meet Golden’s Enhanced Surrogate Criteria and complete a detailed agency-level Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening process before being presented for match consideration.

Golden’s Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening includes the following core stages, with partner-specific or circumstance-specific steps completed when applicable: application review, interview, criminal background check, pregnancy and health records collection, insurance review, OB medical clearance, psychological assessment and interview, virtual home visit, delivery hospital NICU verification, Maternal-Fetal Medicine screening review, preliminary IVF clinic review, and final leadership review.

This level of review helps Golden identify stronger candidates earlier in the process and supports a more informed matching experience for Intended Parents.

Golden’s Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening includes

Application. Surrogate applicants must successfully complete a detailed questionnaire and provide information regarding their pregnancy and health history, family, living situation, support system, employment, and motivation for becoming a Surrogate. This process can take applicants 45-60 minutes to complete thoroughly. Applicants must also submit photo identification and sign a HIPAA release waiver for medical records collection and evaluation.
Interview. A member of the Surrogate Intake Team conducts a detailed interview with the applicant to verify the information provided and assess her overall knowledge, preparedness, motivation, support system, and readiness to begin with our agency.
Criminal Background Check. Surrogates and their partner or spouse, if applicable, undergo a 7-year criminal background check and address verification. Anyone living in the Surrogate’s home age 18 or older may also be subject to this same check.
Pregnancy and Health Records Collection. All previous pregnancy and delivery records are collected. In addition, Golden may request relevant primary care or specialist records to help us further assess the most accurate view of the Surrogate’s overall health history. Golden facilitates records collection through a professional third-party medical service and coordinates review by the potential Intended Parents’ IVF physician or medical team before match presentation. Golden is not a medical facility and does not directly review medical records.
Insurance Review. The Surrogate’s insurance policy is reviewed by professionals experienced in third-party reproduction to determine whether the policy may be usable for the surrogacy journey. Golden also helps coordinate supplemental maternity coverage, life insurance, and related insurance products required for the journey.
OB Medical Clearance and Lab Testing. All Surrogates are required to have their OB sign Golden’s medical evaluation form to verify that they meet Golden Surrogacy requirements and are medically cleared to pursue pregnancy as a gestational surrogate. Additional examination, lab testing, or clinical review may be required by the IVF clinic.
Psychological Assessment and Interview. Golden Surrogacy takes mental health very seriously. Every Surrogate is required to undergo a psychological assessment, which may include psychometric testing such as the MMPI-2 or PAI, as well as a clinical interview. This is conducted by a licensed mental health provider experienced in third-party reproduction.
Virtual Home Visit. A virtual home visit is completed to help confirm that the Surrogate has a stable, safe, and appropriate living environment during the journey.
Delivery Hospital NICU Verification. All Surrogates in Golden’s program must live within a 45-minute drive of a hospital with a Level II NICU at minimum. This added review helps ensure appropriate maternity and newborn care access before moving forward.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Screening Review. Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee include an added Maternal-Fetal Medicine screening review through a specialty provider. This added review provides another layer of clinical insight into the Surrogate’s pregnancy and delivery history before final match approval.
Final Leadership Review. After every stage of review has been carefully completed and the Surrogate is ready for matching, Golden leadership conducts a final review before granting match approval.

For a deeper explanation of why this level of review matters before matching, read Surrogate Screening Requirements: Why They Matter.

What is Golden's included Maternal-Fetal Medicine screening review?

It is an added clinical review of a Surrogate candidate’s pregnancy and delivery history by a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialty provider. The review is included in both Golden Signature and Golden Guarantee, and it is completed before a Surrogate is presented for match consideration.

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine screening review is an integrated component of Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening rather than an optional add-on. Final medical approval for a specific journey still rests with the Intended Parents’ IVF clinic and the applicable medical professionals. More detail is on Why Golden for Intended Parents.

How does Golden know a Surrogate is healthy and following medical guidance during pregnancy?

Golden’s confidence in a Surrogate begins long before pregnancy. One of the strongest indicators of how a Surrogate may approach a future pregnancy is how she has managed her prior pregnancies and deliveries. That is why Golden’s Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening process includes coordinating clinical review of a candidate’s pregnancy history, delivery history, medical records, appointment compliance, gestational age at delivery, glucose history, weight history, complications, and overall health before she is presented for match consideration. These medical evaluations are performed by qualified medical professionals, not by Golden.

As part of Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, Golden includes a Maternal-Fetal Medicine screening review of the candidate’s pregnancy and delivery history before match presentation. The Intended Parents’ IVF clinic separately reviews the candidate and retains responsibility for final medical approval for the specific journey. Together, these reviews help Golden and the Intended Parents better understand whether the candidate’s history supports moving forward.

Golden also requires psychological screening as part of the pre-screening process. This generally includes psychometric testing, such as the MMPI, and a clinical interview with a mental health professional experienced in third-party reproduction. When applicable, the Surrogate’s spouse or partner is also included. This screening helps assess emotional preparedness, stability, motivation, understanding of the journey, informed consent, support system, and readiness to follow the expectations of a gestational surrogacy arrangement.

In addition, Golden completes a criminal background check and virtual home visit. These steps help us better understand the environment where the Surrogate will live during the pregnancy, the support available to her, and whether she has access to appropriate healthcare resources. Golden also verifies delivery hospital access, including NICU level, so Intended Parents can feel more confident that the Surrogate is located near appropriate medical care.

Once pregnancy is achieved, Golden continues to monitor the journey closely. Our team calendars prenatal appointments, follows up on attendance and results, and helps ensure Intended Parents remain informed throughout the pregnancy. We encourage Intended Parents to participate in milestone appointments in person when possible, or virtually by FaceTime or speakerphone when permitted by the OB office.

Golden also fosters open communication between Intended Parents and Surrogates. In many journeys, Surrogates update their Intended Parents directly before the agency has even followed up, which is exactly the kind of trust and communication we work to support.

As an additional safeguard, Golden requires Surrogates to sign a HIPAA release allowing the agency and Intended Parents to communicate with the OB provider during the pregnancy. This is not usually necessary in a well-communicated journey, but it provides an added layer of access and peace of mind if questions arise.

While no agency can guarantee a medical outcome, Golden’s screening, monitoring, communication structure, and provider access are designed to help Intended Parents feel informed, supported, and confident that the pregnancy is being followed carefully.

What happens after Intended Parents and a Surrogate agree to match?

The journey moves into medical clearance and legal coordination. The Surrogate completes the IVF clinic’s own medical review, both parties are referred to separate independent reproductive attorneys, escrow is established, and insurance is reviewed before any transfer is scheduled.

Clinic medical clearance and cycle scheduling.
Independent legal representation and the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement.
Escrow funding and insurance coordination.
Embryo transfer, pregnancy confirmation, and milestone tracking.

Each stage is described in order on the Surrogacy Process page.

Where will the Surrogate deliver, and can the Intended Parents attend the birth?

The Surrogate delivers at a hospital in her own area. Golden requires every Surrogate to live within a 45-minute drive of a hospital with a Level II NICU at minimum, and delivery hospital access is verified during Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening.

Intended Parents are generally present for the birth. Attendance, hospital access, and postpartum expectations are discussed during matching, documented in the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement, and coordinated with the hospital in advance. Hospital policy and the medical circumstances at delivery always apply. Delivery planning is covered on the Surrogacy Process page.

What level of communication is expected between the Intended Parent(s) and the Surrogate?

The matching process must be treated 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. Newly onboarded Intended Parents will have gone through an orientation process at the onset of their engagement with Golden Surrogacy. During that time an entire range of matching preferences may be conveyed to the agency to ensure that a like-minded surrogate with similar expectations is recruited for your specific journey.

Golden expects Intended Parents to build rapport and maintain regular contact with their Surrogate, commonly weekly or every other week, according to the communication expectations established during matching.

Each relationship outcome can vary greatly depending on the chemistry between the parties. It is imperative that Intended Parents and Surrogates discuss this topic and mutually agree on an acceptable level of interaction that is suitable for everyone prior to moving forward.

For a broader look at emotional preparedness, communication rhythms, and realistic planning before the journey begins, read managing expectations as an Intended Parent.

What states do Surrogates come from?

Golden Surrogacy recruits Surrogates from surrogacy-friendly states with favorable laws. When possible, we also place special emphasis on creating a regional match that allows Intended Parents to feel as included in the pregnancy as possible.

What matters most legally is that the Surrogate maintains residency and gives birth in a surrogacy-friendly state. Golden ensures that both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate are referred to separate reproductive law attorneys licensed in the Surrogate’s state.

If you are deciding between local and non-local support, does a surrogacy agency need to be local explains what actually matters when choosing an agency. Golden’s service areas are listed under Locations.

IVF, Clinics, and Embryos

Clinic selection, embryo readiness, transfer policy, and what happens if a transfer is unsuccessful.

Can Intended Parents begin with Golden before choosing an IVF clinic or creating embryos?

Yes. Intended Parents may enroll with Golden before selecting a fertility clinic or completing embryo creation, and many families use that time to prepare while the matching process is underway.

Embryo readiness is required before a Surrogate is presented for match consideration, so clinic selection and embryo creation should progress alongside enrollment. Guidance on selecting a clinic is available in how to choose the best IVF clinic for surrogacy and through Trusted Providers.

How many PGT viable embryos are needed before a Surrogate can be presented for matching?

Golden asks Intended Parents to have at least one PGT-tested embryo that the fertility clinic considers suitable for transfer before a Surrogate is presented for match consideration.

One PGT-tested embryo suitable for transfer is the minimum before match presentation. Golden preferably recommends three PGT-tested embryos suitable for transfer, because many Surrogates prefer Intended Parents to have more than one potential transfer opportunity available. Three is a preferred planning position rather than an absolute requirement.

Embryo quantity and quality also influence match timing and planning, because additional transfers may be needed. Golden’s full readiness standard is documented on the Intended Parent Requirements page.

What is Golden's embryo transfer policy?

Golden requires Intended Parents to proceed within a single-embryo-transfer framework. Golden does not accept Intended Parents seeking to transfer more than one embryo at a time to a Surrogate or intentionally pursue a twin pregnancy through double embryo transfer.

This policy reflects Golden’s commitment to the health and safety of the Surrogate and pregnancy and is consistent with professional guidance strongly recommending single embryo transfer in gestational-carrier cycles. See the Intended Parent Requirements page for the full policy.

What happens if an embryo transfer is unsuccessful or a rematch becomes necessary?

Golden continues to coordinate the journey. If a transfer does not result in pregnancy, the fertility clinic reviews the cycle and advises on next steps, and Golden works with the parties on scheduling another transfer when the clinic and the Surrogate are ready. If a match cannot continue, Golden works to identify another qualified Surrogate candidate.

The financial effect depends on your program. Under Golden Signature, additional transfers, additional screening, and rematching can increase the total cost, because expenses are paid as they arise. Golden Guarantee groups many major covered journey expenses into one fixed program structure, subject to the program agreement, inclusions, exclusions, and eligibility requirements. Review the Surrogacy Costs page and the Golden Guarantee page, and for emotional preparation read failed embryo transfer and pregnancy loss in surrogacy.

Escrow and Insurance

How funds are held and distributed, and how maternity coverage is reviewed.

How are the escrow funds managed?

Golden refers Intended Parents to an independent third-party escrow provider experienced in assisted reproduction and surrogacy arrangements. Escrow funds are held and administered by the escrow provider, not by Golden Surrogacy.

The escrow provider distributes funds according to the Surrogacy Legal Agreement, Match Sheet, escrow instructions, and applicable reimbursement procedures. Escrow may be used for Surrogate compensation, benefits, approved reimbursements, travel, childcare, lost wages, insurance-related payments when applicable, and other expenses outlined in the legal agreement.

Golden does not hold, manage, or distribute escrow funds. However, Golden may help review reimbursement requests and support communication with the escrow provider when needed so the payment process is more organized and easier for the parties to navigate.

For a deeper look at fund protection, oversight, and what to ask before selecting an escrow provider, read Surrogacy Escrow: The Complete Guide.

How are Surrogate maternity insurance needs evaluated and coordinated?

A Surrogate’s existing insurance policy is reviewed by professionals experienced in third-party reproduction to determine whether it may be usable for a surrogacy journey. That review happens during Premium Surrogate Pre-Screening, before matching.

When a policy cannot be used, Golden helps coordinate supplemental maternity coverage, life insurance, and related insurance products required for the journey. Insurance costs are handled differently under each program, so review the Surrogacy Costs page and the Golden Guarantee page for what each structure includes.

Legal Coordination

State considerations, independent attorneys, and the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement.

How are Intended Parents' parental rights established in a surrogacy journey?

Parentage is established through a state-specific legal process coordinated by licensed reproductive law attorneys. Depending on the Surrogate’s state and the circumstances of the journey, the process may involve a pre-birth order, post-birth order, or another court or administrative procedure.

Golden refers the Intended Parents and Surrogate to separate legal counsel and helps coordinate important timing, but Golden does not provide legal advice. The attorneys confirm the applicable requirements, prepare the necessary filings, and guide the parties through the parentage process.

What if Intended Parents live in a non-surrogacy-friendly state?

In many cases, what matters most is not where the Intended Parents live, but where the Surrogate resides and gives birth. The Surrogate’s state usually determines the legal process, the enforceability of the Surrogacy Legal Agreement, and how parentage is established.

Golden works to match Intended Parents with Surrogates in surrogacy-friendly states where the legal process is expected to be more predictable and where parentage rights can be addressed appropriately.

Golden also refers both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate to separate, independent reproductive law attorneys licensed in the Surrogate’s state. These attorneys help draft and review the Surrogacy Legal Agreement and guide the parentage process according to applicable state law.

Can Intended Parents use any attorney?

Intended Parents should work with an attorney experienced in assisted reproduction and surrogacy law. Because surrogacy law varies by state, legal representation should be selected based on the Surrogate’s state of residence and the state where she plans to give birth.

Golden refers Intended Parents and Surrogates to separate, independent reproductive law attorneys who are licensed in the applicable state and experienced in third-party reproduction. Independent legal representation helps protect all parties and ensures that the Surrogacy Legal Agreement and parentage process are handled appropriately.

Intended Parents are not required to use Golden’s legal referral, but any attorney selected should have the appropriate surrogacy experience and state-specific knowledge.

Does Golden have attorneys in-house?

No. Golden does not provide legal services or have in-house legal counsel draft Surrogacy Legal Agreements for our clients.

Surrogacy requires independent legal representation for both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate. This helps avoid conflicts of interest and ensures that each party has an attorney who represents their own legal rights and responsibilities.

Golden may provide trusted attorney referrals and help coordinate communication between the parties, attorneys, and escrow provider when needed, but legal advice and legal documents must come from licensed reproductive law attorneys.

What is the difference between Gestational Surrogacy and Traditional Surrogacy?

In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, embryos are created through in vitro fertilization, often referred to as IVF. The embryo is then transferred to a Gestational Surrogate, also called a Gestational Carrier, who carries the pregnancy but has no genetic relationship to the child.

In traditional surrogacy, the Surrogate uses her own eggs and is genetically related to the child she carries. Traditional surrogacy may involve different medical, legal, and emotional considerations.

Golden Surrogacy only manages gestational surrogacy arrangements. We do not recruit traditional Surrogates or manage traditional surrogacy journeys.

For a fuller explanation of the genetic, legal, and practical distinction, read Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy: What’s the Difference?

Egg Donation

Choosing a donor source and deciding on the arrangement type.

What is the best way to choose an Egg Donor?

Choosing an Egg Donor is a deeply personal decision, and different Intended Parents may prioritize different qualities. Some focus on medical history, genetic background, physical characteristics, education, personality, interests, ethnicity, cultural background, or the type of donor arrangement available.

Golden generally recommends beginning with three practical areas

Health and family history. Intended Parents should carefully review the donor’s personal and family medical history, genetic screening information, reproductive history when available, and any clinic or agency screening materials provided.
Donor source and arrangement type. Some Intended Parents work with an egg donation agency, while others use a fertility clinic donor program or frozen egg bank. The type of arrangement, such as anonymous, semi-open, or open, can also affect future contact expectations, legal terms, and available information.
Personal connection and long-term comfort. Intended Parents should consider what information may matter to them now and what may matter to their future child later. This may include appearance, education, interests, personality, heritage, or openness to future contact.

For a deeper guide to donor source, arrangement type, SART data, and sibling planning, read Choosing an Egg Donor for Your Surrogacy Journey.

Golden does not operate an in-house Egg Donation program, but we can provide trusted resources and help Intended Parents think through important considerations before selecting a donor source.

Which Egg Donation arrangement is recommended? Anonymous, Open, or Semi-Open?

The right Egg Donation arrangement depends on the Intended Parents’ goals, the donor source, legal requirements, available donor information, and the level of future contact everyone is comfortable with.

Anonymous arrangements generally involve no direct identifying contact between the Intended Parents and the Egg Donor. Semi-open arrangements may allow limited communication through an agency, clinic, attorney, or agreed-upon platform. Open arrangements may allow a greater level of identity disclosure or future communication, depending on the terms agreed to by the parties.

There is not one correct structure for every family. Intended Parents should consider what feels comfortable now, what information may be meaningful to a future child, and how the arrangement will be addressed legally.

If Egg Donation is part of your journey, Golden can provide trusted resources and recommend that the arrangement be reviewed with qualified reproductive legal counsel.

Surrogacy Terms and Definitions

Plain-language definitions of the abbreviations used throughout the process.

What does ART mean?

ART stands for Assisted Reproductive Technology. It refers to fertility treatments and procedures that involve handling eggs, sperm, embryos, or reproductive tissue outside the body.

In a surrogacy context, ART may include in vitro fertilization, commonly called IVF, embryo creation, egg donation, sperm donation, genetic testing, embryo transfer, and related fertility treatment.

What does IVF mean?

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. In IVF, eggs are retrieved from an intended parent or Egg Donor and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.

In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is transferred to the Surrogate’s uterus. The Surrogate carries the pregnancy but has no genetic relationship to the child unless she also provided the egg, which is not part of gestational surrogacy.

What does IP mean?

IP stands for Intended Parent. Intended Parents are the individual or couple pursuing surrogacy with the intention of becoming the legal parent or parents of the child born through the journey.

What does GC or GS mean?

GC stands for Gestational Carrier, and GS stands for Gestational Surrogate. These terms are often used interchangeably in the surrogacy community.

A Gestational Carrier or Gestational Surrogate carries a pregnancy for Intended Parents and has no genetic relationship to the child. Golden commonly uses the term Surrogate in public-facing materials because it is familiar and easier for most families to understand.

What does ED mean?

ED stands for Egg Donor. An Egg Donor provides eggs that may be fertilized through IVF to create embryos for another individual or couple.

Golden does not operate an in-house Egg Donation program, but we can provide trusted resources and guidance for Intended Parents who need an Egg Donor as part of their family-building plan.

What does GSA mean?

GSA stands for Gestational Surrogacy Agreement. This is the legal agreement between the Intended Parents and the Surrogate, and the Surrogate’s spouse or partner if applicable.

The GSA outlines the parties’ rights, responsibilities, expectations, compensation, reimbursements, insurance obligations, medical decision-making terms, confidentiality, communication expectations, delivery planning, parentage-related provisions, and other important journey terms.

Each party must have independent legal representation before the agreement is finalized.

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If you are considering surrogacy, Golden can help you understand the process, compare your options, and determine whether our program is the right fit for your family.