Surrogacy in North Carolina

Yes, surrogacy is legal in North Carolina, but the state lacks a comprehensive legal framework specifically governing surrogacy. The legality of surrogacy agreements and the process for establishing intended parents' legal rights, such as through pre-birth orders, largely depend on judicial interpretation and the specifics of each case. Intended parents of all backgrounds, including singles, unmarried couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals, may pursue surrogacy with the guidance of experienced legal counsel to navigate the state's legal landscape.

Yes, LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples can pursue surrogacy in North Carolina. While the state does not have explicit surrogacy statutes, the absence of prohibitive laws means that surrogacy is accessible to all intended parents, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or genetic link to the child. However, the legal process for securing parental rights through surrogacy, including obtaining pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders, may require specific legal strategies tailored to each situation. LGBTQ+ families are encouraged to seek legal advice from professionals experienced in surrogacy and family law in North Carolina to ensure their rights are fully protected.

To become a surrogate in North Carolina, candidates typically need to have had at least one successful pregnancy, be in good physical and mental health, and meet certain age criteria. The basic requirements to become a surrogate in North Carolina are:

• Must be a legal resident of the United States
• Must be between the ages of 21 and 42 years old
• Must have a body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 32
• Must have had at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth
• Must have had 5 or fewer previous deliveries and 2 or fewer C-sections

If you meet these basic requirements, you may be eligible to become a gestational surrogate with Fairfax Surrogacy. This process is the beginning of a rewarding journey where you can make a significant difference in the lives of intended parents.

In North Carolina, intended parents may be able to establish legal parentage primarily through the process of obtaining a pre-birth parentage order, but due to the lack of explicit pre-birth order statutes, intended parents should be prepared for a post-birth legal process to establish parentage. This may involve a petition for adoption, such as a stepparent or second-parent adoption, especially in cases where the intended parent(s) have no genetic link to the child. The court reviews the circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement, including the surrogacy agreement, to ensure that establishing the intended parents' legal parentage serves the child's best interests.

Surrogacy costs in North Carolina can vary, but they generally include agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, and other related costs. Agencies like Fairfax Surrogacy offer fixed cost packages to provide clarity and manage financial aspects of the surrogacy journey.

Yes, North Carolina is considered a surrogacy-friendly state. While North Carolina does not have laws explicitly outlining surrogacy regulations, intended parents of any marital status, sexual orientation, or genetic connection to the child may be able to pursue surrogacy and seek pre-birth parentage orders. However, it's important to note that outcomes can vary by county and judge, indicating that while the state is generally surrogacy-friendly, the experience of navigating surrogacy agreements may differ across jurisdictions. Intended parents in North Carolina are encouraged to consult with legal professionals experienced in surrogacy to ensure their rights and interests are fully protected.

Finding a surrogate in North Carolina typically involves working with a reputable surrogacy agency. These agencies have expertise in matching intended parents with surrogates who meet their specific needs and preferences. The process usually includes:

• Consultation with a Surrogacy Agency: Start by consulting a surrogacy agency like Fairfax Surrogacy. They will provide information about their services, the surrogacy process, and answer any initial questions you may have.
• Surrogate Matching Process: The agency will assist you in the matching process, taking into account factors such as compatibility, personality, values, and any specific preferences or requirements you have.
• Rigorous Screening: Surrogates in North Carolina undergo a rigorous screening process, which includes medical, psychological, and background checks, to ensure they are suitable for the surrogacy journey.
• Legal and Medical Procedures: Once a match is made, the agency will guide you through the necessary legal and medical procedures, including drafting surrogacy agreements and coordinating medical treatments.

Working with an agency ensures that all aspects of the surrogacy process are handled professionally and in compliance with North Carolina's legal framework.