LGBTQ+ Family Building: Your Legal Guide to Parenthood
Your Family, Your Way — Built on Clarity and Confidence
Starting a family should be exciting, not overwhelming.
For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples — including same-sex parents and those growing families through surrogacy or donor conception — the legal process can feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be.
Since 2012, Fertility & Surrogacy Legal Group (FSLG) has guided families worldwide through each legal milestone, from initial planning to final parentage orders.
Our mission is simple: to protect your parental rights and make your path to parenthood secure, supported, and clear.
We do this through proactive legal safeguards that prevent problems before they arise — so you can focus on what matters most: building your family.
Download Your LGBTQ+ Family-Building Legal Checklist
A simple guide to help you start your journey with confidence.
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Speak confidentially with an LGBTQ+ family-building attorney.
Securing Parental Rights for LGBTQ+ Parents
Legal recognition matters — from the moment your child is born and everywhere life takes you.
FSLG helps LGBTQ+ parents — from gay fathers and lesbian mothers to transgender and non-binary families — secure full and equal parental rights through tailored legal strategies.
We help families secure parentage through:
- Pre- and Post-Birth Parentage Orders — establishing parenthood from day one.
- Second-Parent and Stepparent Adoptions — ensuring both parents’ rights are recognized across all states.
- Estate Planning and Guardianship — safeguarding your family’s future and long-term security.
Every parent deserves certainty. Our team prepares enforceable documents that protect your rights nationwide — so your family’s security travels wherever you go.
Surrogacy and Donor Agreements That Protect Everyone
A strong legal foundation is essential for every family-building journey.
For gay couples, this often means crafting a gestational surrogacy agreement that outlines parental intent and ensures compliance in every state.
For lesbian couples, it may involve reciprocal IVF or known-donor arrangements that clearly define each partner’s rights.
Our attorneys create customized contracts that:
- Clarify parental rights and responsibilities.
- Anticipate potential legal or emotional challenges.
- Ensure compliance across state and international lines.
FSLG drafts all related agreements — including Gestational Surrogacy Agreements, Egg Donation Agreements, Embryo Donation Agreements, and Sperm Donation Agreements — with precision, compassion, and foresight.
Navigating Multi-State and International Laws
Family-building laws vary widely across the U.S. and abroad. Whether pursuing LGBTQ+ surrogacy in California or securing same-sex parentage in another country, early legal coordination prevents costly delays.
FSLG helps families navigate:
- State-specific surrogacy, adoption, and donor laws.
- Birth-certificate, passport, and citizenship requirements.
- Cross-border conflicts between U.S. and foreign regulations.
Based in San Diego, California, FSLG’s attorneys are licensed in multiple states and maintain of-counsel relationships nationwide.
Our International Clients team ensures that every step — from parentage to passports — is secure and recognized globally.
Support at the Hospital and Beyond
No moment is more meaningful than meeting your child for the first time — and no parent should face confusion on that day.
Our Hospital & Vital Records team coordinates directly with hospitals to ensure your parentage order is recognized, both parents are listed correctly on the birth certificate, and all documentation is in place for citizenship and travel.
For international families, we also guide the process of securing passports and travel documents before you return home — ensuring a seamless experience from delivery to departure.
Transparent Escrow and Financial Management
Surrogacy and donation journeys often involve complex financial logistics.
To keep your journey secure and compliant, FSLG offers dedicated Funds & Financial Management services.
Our in-house escrow management ensures:
All payments are handled securely and on schedule.
Detailed itemized statements provide complete transparency.
Funds comply with state and federal trust requirements.
With your finances professionally managed, you can focus on building your family — not paperwork.
Why Families Trust FSLG
Since 2012, LGBTQ+ families — including gay, lesbian, and same-sex parents — have trusted FSLG as their legal partner in building families with clarity and confidence.
Clients choose us because they can expect:
Proactive legal safeguards that prevent problems before they arise.
Specialized fertility law expertise from a firm 100% dedicated to reproductive law.
Nationwide and international reach for multi-jurisdictional matters.
Compassionate, inclusive counsel for every family structure.
When you work with FSLG, you gain a legal partner who protects your rights so you can focus on becoming parents with peace of mind.
Download Our Free LGBTQ+ Family-Building Checklist to start planning today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Second-Parent Adoption recommended for same-sex couples?
It allows a non-biological parent to legally adopt their partner’s child, providing equal rights and security beyond a birth certificate alone. It ensures recognition across states and internationally.
Do we need legal support before choosing a donor or surrogate?
Yes. Early legal guidance prevents future disputes and ensures your agreements fully protect parental rights. FSLG acts as your first point of contact before you sign anything.
How does FSLG secure legal parentage for non-biological parents?
Through Pre- and Post-Birth Parentage Orders and Second-Parent Adoptions, we ensure both parents are recognized from birth, regardless of biology.
Can LGBTQ+ couples use surrogacy in all U.S. states?
Surrogacy laws vary. FSLG handles cases nationwide, including in California and other states where compensated surrogacy is legal, ensuring every arrangement is compliant.
How do we obtain birth certificates and passports for children born via surrogacy?
Our Hospital & Vital Records and Passport & Travel teams coordinate directly with vital records offices to ensure accuracy and timely issuance.
Can international LGBTQ+ families retain FSLG for assistance?
Yes. Our International Clients team supports families worldwide — securing documents, managing travel compliance, and resolving cross-border legal conflicts.