Fertility Law, Surrogacy & LGBTQ+
Modern families are formed in many different ways. At Proudmans, we provide specialist advice on the legal issues arising from assisted reproduction, surrogacy and alternative family structures, with a particular focus on protecting intended parents, donors and children from the outset.
This is a rapidly developing area of law, often involving complex questions of parentage, consent and international regulation. Our role is to guide you through that complexity with clarity and precision, ensuring that your legal position reflects your intentions and that appropriate safeguards are in place for the future.
Our
Approach
We recognise that these matters are deeply personal and often time-sensitive. Our approach is to provide clear, forward-thinking advice that anticipates potential issues and protects your position. Whether you are planning to start a family or navigating a dispute, we combine technical expertise with a pragmatic and sensitive approach to achieve the best possible outcome.
Services
Surrogacy
We advise intended parents and surrogates at every stage of the surrogacy journey, including pre-conception planning, agreements and applications for parental orders. We are experienced in both domestic and international surrogacy arrangements, including cases involving cross-border issues and immigration considerations.
Donor conception
Co-parenting and known donors
We advise on the legal implications of using donor sperm, eggs or embryos, including issues of legal parenthood, anonymity and future rights. Early advice is essential to ensure that parental status is secure and that expectations are clearly defined.
Where parenting arrangements involve friends, known donors or multiple parties, careful legal planning is critical. We assist in structuring co-parenting arrangements to reflect the intentions of all involved, minimising the risk of dispute and ensuring clarity as to parental responsibility and roles.
Posthumous conception
We advise on the use of genetic material following death, including the legal requirements for consent and the implications for parentage, inheritance and registration. These cases are often sensitive and require careful handling alongside clear legal guidance.
Use of frozen embryos following separation
Disputes can arise where one party seeks to use frozen embryos after a relationship has ended. We provide strategic advice in this complex area, balancing issues of consent, autonomy and existing legal frameworks.
Import and export of embryos
Where treatment takes place across jurisdictions, regulatory compliance is essential. We advise on the legal and practical requirements for the import and export of embryos, working alongside clinics and international lawyers where necessary.