Washington Surrogacy Timeline: How Long Does the Process Take?
June 17, 2025 by Frank Golden
One of the most common questions women ask when considering surrogacy is simple: how long will this take? It’s a fair question! The Washington surrogacy timeline for a Surrogate typically spans 14 to 18 months from start to finish. That might sound like a long time, but every step exists for good reason.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your life, prepare your family, and feel confident about what’s ahead. Washington has a supportive legal environment for gestational surrogacy, which means the process moves smoothly when everyone works together!
This guide walks you through each phase of the journey. You’ll learn what to expect, why certain steps take time, and how Golden Surrogacy supports you every step of the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Washington Surrogacy Timeline
- Application and Initial Screening Phase
- Medical and Psychological Screening
- Matching With Intended Parents
- Legal Contracts and Coordination in Washington
- Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer
- Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
- Factors That Can Affect the Washington Surrogacy Timeline
- What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Washington Surrogacy Timeline
- Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence
Overview of the Washington Surrogacy Timeline
The complete surrogacy journey in Washington generally takes between 14 and 18 months. This includes everything from your first application to delivery and postpartum recovery.
Why does it take this long? Because surrogacy involves careful coordination between you, the Intended Parents, medical professionals, and legal experts. Every phase protects your health, ensures legal clarity, and builds a strong foundation for success!
Here’s a high-level view of the main stages:
- Getting Started – Application and intake
- Pre-Screening – Initial review and education
- Matching – Finding compatible Intended Parents
- In-Person Screening – Medical and psychological evaluations
- Legal – Contract drafting and review
- Embryo Transfer – Medical preparation and procedure
- Pregnancy – Prenatal care through delivery
Each phase has its own timeline. Some move quickly, while others require patience. The good news? You’re never alone in this process!
Application and Initial Screening Phase
Your journey begins with the application! This is where you share information about yourself, your health history, and your motivations for becoming a Surrogate.
At Golden Surrogacy, founder Frank Golden leads a team that treats every Surrogate like family. Your application receives careful, personal attention from the start.
What happens during this phase:
- You complete the online application
- The intake team reviews your information
- You receive educational materials about surrogacy
- Initial questions are answered via phone or video call
This phase typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly documents are gathered. It’s a time for learning and asking questions!
Want to understand what qualifications you’ll need? Check out our guide to Washington Surrogate requirements for a detailed breakdown.
Medical and Psychological Screening
Once you pass the initial review, you’ll move into comprehensive screening. This includes both medical evaluations at a fertility clinic and psychological assessments. Note, half
the screening is conducted as pre-screening by the agency to ensure readiness, and the second half is completed at the Intended Parent’s fertility clinic.
Medical screening includes:
- Physical examination
- Blood work and lab tests
- Review of your pregnancy history
- Uterine evaluation
Psychological screening includes:
- Meeting with a licensed mental health professional
- Discussion of emotional readiness
- Review of your support system
Here’s an important detail: in-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing! This ensures the fertility clinic can complete all necessary evaluations accurately.
This phase generally takes 30 to 90 days. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidelines that fertility clinics follow to protect Surrogate health.
These screenings aren’t about judging you. They’re about making sure surrogacy is safe and right for you!
Matching With Intended Parents
Matching is one of the most exciting parts of the journey! This is when you’re introduced to Intended Parents who share your values and vision for the surrogacy experience.
At Golden Surrogacy, matching is thoughtful and intentional. The team considers:
- Communication preferences
- Expectations for the pregnancy
- Values and personality compatibility
- Geographic considerations
The matching phase can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks on average. Sometimes it happens faster, and sometimes it takes longer. The goal is finding the right fit, not rushing the process!
You’ll have the opportunity to connect with potential Intended Parents before making any commitment. This relationship matters, and you deserve to feel comfortable and respected.
Legal Contracts and Coordination in Washington
Washington has supportive surrogacy laws that protect Surrogates and Intended Parents alike. The legal phase is essential for establishing everyone’s rights and responsibilities.
Key elements of this phase:
- A written gestational surrogacy agreement is drafted
- You receive independent legal counsel (paid for by the Intended Parents!)
- Both parties review and negotiate terms
- Contracts must be finalized before any medical procedures begin
The legal process begins only after you’ve received full medical clearance, following the in-person screening appointment. This ensures everything happens in the right order.
This phase typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Your attorney works exclusively for you, ensuring your interests are fully represented.
During the second trimester, attorneys begin processing birth certificate paperwork and hospital coordination. This prepares everyone for a smooth delivery experience!
Note: This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer
With legal contracts signed, you’ll begin preparing for the embryo transfer! This is when things start feeling very real.
What to expect:
- Medication protocol to prepare your uterus
- Regular monitoring appointments at the fertility clinic
- Embryo transfer procedure (typically quick and minimally invasive!)
- Two-week waiting period before pregnancy confirmation
The preparation and transfer phase takes approximately 15 to 30 days. The waiting period can feel long, but your Care Team stays in close contact throughout!
The CDC tracks assisted reproductive technology outcomes, and success rates continue to improve each year. You’re in good hands with experienced medical professionals.
Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
Congratulations! Once pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll enter the longest phase of the timeline: the pregnancy itself.
During pregnancy:
- Regular prenatal appointments
- Ongoing communication with your Care Team
- Connection with the Intended Parents as desired
- Agency Director available via phone, text, and email
Golden Surrogacy provides dedicated support throughout your pregnancy. You’re never just a number here. The team genuinely cares about your wellbeing!
During the second trimester, birthrights documentation and hospital coordination begin. This ensures the delivery goes smoothly for everyone involved.
After delivery:
- Postpartum recovery support
- Final compensation disbursements
- Emotional support as you transition
The pregnancy and postpartum period spans approximately 10 to 11 months from embryo transfer to full recovery. Learn more about what Surrogates receive during this time in our Washington Surrogate compensation guide!
Factors That Can Affect the Washington Surrogacy Timeline
Every surrogacy journey is unique. Several factors can influence how quickly you move through each phase:
Clinic scheduling – Fertility clinics have busy calendars. Appointment availability affects timing.
Legal review – Complex situations may require additional negotiation time.
Insurance coordination – Verifying or obtaining maternity coverage takes time.
Personal readiness – Your availability for appointments and procedures matters.
Matching preferences – Specific criteria may extend the matching phase.
Medical factors – Sometimes additional testing or a second transfer cycle is needed.
Timelines vary based on individual circumstances, clinic scheduling, and legal coordination. The best approach is to stay flexible and trust the process!
What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
Golden Surrogacy believes in transparent communication. Here’s what you can expect from the agency throughout your journey:
Communication: Your dedicated Care Team stays in regular contact. You’ll never wonder what’s happening next!
Coordination: The agency manages scheduling, paperwork, and logistics so you can focus on your health and family.
Support: Emotional and practical support is available whenever you need it. Founder Frank Golden ensures every Surrogate feels valued and heard.
Your responsibilities: Attend appointments, communicate openly, follow medical guidance, and take care of yourself!
The relationship between you and your agency matters. Learn more about the surrogacy process to see how everything fits together.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Washington Surrogacy Timeline
How long does surrogacy usually take in Washington?
Most journeys take between 14 and 18 months from application to postpartum recovery. The exact timeline depends on many factors!
Can timelines be shorter or longer?
Yes! Some journeys move faster when everything aligns perfectly. Others take longer due to scheduling, medical needs, or matching preferences.
What causes delays?
Common causes include clinic availability, extended matching periods, insurance coordination, and medical considerations.
Can Surrogates pause the process?
Absolutely. Life happens! If you need to pause for personal reasons, communicate openly with your agency. Your wellbeing always comes first.
Do I need to live in Washington?
Not necessarily. Washington’s laws are favorable, and Golden Surrogacy works with Surrogates in various locations. Reach out to learn more!
Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence
Understanding the Washington surrogacy timeline empowers you to make informed decisions. Every phase exists to protect you, support your health, and create the best possible experience.
Patience and preparation are your best tools. Surrogacy isn’t a race. It’s a meaningful journey that changes lives, including your own!
When you’re ready to take the next step, Golden Surrogacy is here. Explore whether becoming a Surrogate is right for you. There’s no pressure, just information and support when you need it.
Your questions matter. Your timeline matters. And most importantly, you matter. We can’t wait to support you on this incredible journey!
