Whether you are contemplating surrogacy or adoption, it is critical to get legal advice early to avoid what can become costly and problematic delays or issues later in the respective processes. 

Surrogacy 

Our team can advise on all aspects and stages of surrogacy arrangements, including : 

1. When to enter a Surrogacy Agreement;  

2. How to ensure your Surrogacy Agreement is valid and contains mandatory legislative requirements;  

3. Requirements for pre and post-conception counselling;  

4. Expenses for which the intended parents can and cannot pay to or on behalf of their surrogate; 

5. Collection, use and ownership of gametes and embryos;  

6. Minimum age and other requirements for surrogates; 

7. Presumptions of parentage; and 

8. Parentage Orders.  

We can work with other individuals and organisations involved in your surrogacy. For example, we will work with your surrogate’s legal team to formalise the surrogacy arrangements and your medical team and counsellors to ensure we have all the evidence we need when the time comes to apply for a Parentage Order.  

Contact our team to find out more about how we can help you with surrogacy legal needs.  

Adoption 

Adoptions can be a complex area of law and often require attention and care to be successfully finalised in the Supreme Court, or in some cases, in the Family Court of Australia. We will assess your particular circumstances to determine which jurisdiction is best for your case.  

We can assist in all areas of adoption including: 

1. Step-parents seeking to adopt a step-child;  

2. Local and inter-country adoptions; and 

3. Adult adoptions. 

Our estate team is also able to advise on the effect of adoption on intestate and other inheritance rights.  

Contact us to find out more about how we can help with your adoption matter.