Creating a family

The importance of Legal Advice before embarking on the journey; the pathway of Surrogacy

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of families turning to surrogacy to fulfil a dream of having a family, the decision being taken after many years of consideration for most individuals.

Whilst science and medical assistance play a huge part in achieving this dream for individuals, it is vitally important for anyone seeking to embark on this journey that they take legal advice from the outset.

Since the pandemic enquiries from intended parents have increased exponentially in our firm with clients travelling to North America, Ukraine, Cyprus and the United Kingdom in recent months. It is a great privilege to assist a client on their journey and we are delighted to say that at Worthingtons we can offer clients a full package approach, dealing with all aspects of their journey from initial consultation with our family partner to drafting of associated Wills with our Probate department and we have on hand throughout the process our Immigration department to assist with any travel related queries arising.

Our family department will meet with you at the outset of your journey and can assist in liaising with any clinics to confirm that legal advice has been sought and provided in line with the position in Northern Ireland. This is often a standard requirement when intended parents start the process with any clinic.

Communication is maintained with our clients throughout the process, and we are happy to liaise with any lawyers involved in the process on behalf of the intended clients in the country in which the baby is due to be born.

Once the baby is born, we will then draft the relevant proceedings in Northern Ireland on behalf of the intended parents. Such proceedings cannot be lodged with the High Court in Northern Ireland until 6 weeks post the birth of the baby. Once lodged with the Court we guide intended parents on any other relevant applications that maybe required dependant on their situation.

Whilst the journey once a baby is born is often seen to be over it is vitally important that intended parents are fully appraised of the legal requirements and steps they must go through to ensure their baby is recognised as being legally their child.

Should you have any queries or would like any further information on how Worthingtons can help you in these circumstances, please contact Naomi Devlin or Aoife McCann on 02891811538 or 02890434015 or by emailing [email protected].