The legal phase brings the expectations discussed during matching into a written Gestational Surrogacy Agreement. Your agency and attorneys have different jobs during that process. Knowing who handles what can make the next step easier to follow.
In this video, Frank describes Golden’s review of the draft against the match discussions and agreed expectations. That coordination supports the process while each party’s independent attorney provides legal advice.
Connect the agreement with the match
Matching conversations may address communication, compensation, travel, and other practical expectations. Golden reviews the draft alongside the participants, checking that it reflects the match sheet, agreed expectations, and the industry standards the agency applies. The team flags inconsistencies so the parties and their attorneys can address them.
For example, if an expense category discussed in the match is described differently in the draft, the team can flag it for the parties and their attorneys. The question should be resolved through the legal process rather than through an informal assumption about what a clause means.
Keep legal advice with independent counsel
Your attorney explains the agreement, advises you about your rights and responsibilities, and helps you evaluate changes. After signing, your Care Team helps you understand how the agreed terms guide the practical journey and coordinates the responsibilities they describe. Questions about legal meaning or a disputed provision go to your attorney. An agency explanation is not a substitute for your attorney’s review.
Ask questions before signing, even when a provision sounds familiar from a prior discussion. You should be able to explain the responsibilities you are accepting in your own words.
Prepare for an efficient review
- Keep the match summary and current compensation or benefit schedule available.
- Collect questions in one place so related issues can be discussed together.
- Tell your attorney when a provision does not match your understanding.
- Distinguish a request to change a term from a request to explain it.
- Ask how completed legal clearance will be communicated to the clinic and Care Team.
Let the required steps finish before treatment planning advances
A proposed appointment date does not replace completed agreements or legal clearance. Golden coordinates with the participants so the medical phase can proceed with the required legal work in place. The treating clinic remains responsible for medical instructions.
Our guide to legal clearance before transfer planning explains this handoff. The practical goal is straightforward: everyone should know which step is complete, which professional is responsible for the next one, and what is still outstanding.
