New York, Maine, New Hampshire & Connecticut Fertility Law Firm

The best way to prevent embryo disputes is to have an explicit, written agreement before you begin the IVF process. This agreement should outline what happens to your embryos in the event of divorce, death, or a change in circumstances.

By defining ownership and decision-making rights in advance, you reduce the risk of confusion or conflict later on. Courts often look to these agreements to determine intent, so having legally sound documentation can protect everyone involved. Our New York embryo dispute lawyer can help you prepare documents that reflect your wishes and comply with state law.

In most cases, sperm donors do not have parental rights or financial obligations when a clear and valid donor agreement is in place. The key is that the donation occurs through a licensed fertility clinic and that all parties sign a properly drafted contract.

Our sperm donor agreements lawyer works with donors and intended parents to make sure the contract clearly separates donation from parenthood. Without a formal agreement, there is a risk that a donor could later seek rights or be assigned responsibilities under state law. A well-prepared contract protects both the donor and the intended parents by confirming shared intent from the start.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is legal in every U.S. state, but the specific laws governing consent, embryo storage, and parentage vary by state. Generally, both intended parents must provide written permission for the creation and use of embryos, and clinics must retain these records on file.

Our experienced IVF attorney can explain how state and federal laws apply to your treatment plan. For instance, some states list the intended parents on the birth certificate after IVF, whereas others require additional legal steps, such as a judgment of parentage. Understanding your state’s requirements early can help you move through the process with clarity and confidence.

Egg donation is permitted throughout the United States, but laws about compensation, anonymity, and consent vary by state. Donors must be at least 18 years old and pass medical and psychological screenings before donation. Intended parents and donors should also enter into a legal agreement that defines parental rights, confidentiality, and, if applicable, payment terms.

At Oleaga Law, LLC, we help clients create agreements that respect both parties and comply with all applicable regulations. Doing so protects the donor’s privacy while safeguarding the intended parents’ rights to the resulting embryos or future children.

A surrogate’s legal rights depend on the type of surrogacy and the laws in the state where the birth takes place. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child, and their rights are typically defined by contract and court order. In traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, they may have additional rights that require formal termination of parental status after birth.

Our New York surrogacy lawyer is passionate about helping people build strong, loving families; we support both surrogates and intended parents in understanding their positions and responsibilities before the pregnancy begins. Clear agreements and, when needed, pre-birth orders are essential to protect everyone involved and to confirm the intended parents’ rights at birth.