International Reproductive Law Group: Pioneering Legal Support for Assisted Reproductive Technology

The story of IRLG began with its founding attorney, Will, and his husband, Marcellin. In their pursuit of creating a family, they faced many challenges as one of the first publicly known gay male couples to have children through surrogacy in the United States. Their journey, highlighted in the New York Times and on Barbara Walters, revealed the significant need for specialized legal support in assisted reproductive technology. After successfully building their family through surrogacy, Will and Marcellin were motivated to help others navigate this complex process, leading to the formation of IRLG.

Mission and Vision: Providing Comprehensive and Compassionate Legal Support

IRLG's mission centers on offering comprehensive, compassionate, and expert legal services to intended parents, surrogates, and donors. The firm’s vision is to be a reliable partner, providing unwavering support throughout the entire process. Their goal is to demystify the often-complex legal landscape of ART, allowing clients to feel empowered and informed at every stage.

What Sets IRLG Apart: A Deep Specialization in ART Law

IRLG differentiates itself through its deep specialization in assisted reproductive technology law. Primarily an attorney-only firm, clients are assigned a dedicated attorney who guides them throughout the entire journey. This personalized approach ensures consistent support and that all legal documents are attorney-drafted and reviewed.

With a team of eight attorneys licensed to practice across the United States and in several other countries, IRLG also addresses the needs of international clients. The team’s multilingual capabilities and comprehensive services, such as document translation, coordinating birth records, passports, and apostille services, make IRLG a holistic legal partner for clients worldwide.

Guiding Clients through Legal Complexities to Minimize Risks

Navigating the legal aspects of surrogacy can be daunting. IRLG’s approach involves thorough vetting of all parties, crafting clear and comprehensive agreements, and proactively managing potential legal issues. They assist international clients by emphasizing the importance of understanding legal requirements both in the U.S. and the intended parents' home country.

Recently, IRLG demonstrated this approach by guiding an Italian family through intricate legal processes across multiple countries, ensuring a smooth and secure surrogacy journey. Their network of international attorneys ensures legal requirements in various countries are met, safeguarding clients’ interests and minimizing risks.

Navigating International Surrogacy: A Tailored and Experienced Approach

With over two decades of experience in international surrogacy, IRLG provides tailored legal advice to clients from around the globe. For countries where their attorneys are not licensed, they collaborate with local counsel to ensure the intended parents’ rights are established. Recently, they assisted a same-sex couple from Belgium in registering their child's birth and securing the intended parents’ rights by working closely with Belgian legal professionals.

Ensuring Legal Safety: IRLG’s Comprehensive Services for Intended Parents

IRLG’s role extends from pre-match evaluations to post-birth legal processes. Before confirming a match, they evaluate each case to minimize potential risks, considering factors such as political climates and evolving laws. Post-matching, they draft and review surrogacy and donor contracts, ensure funds are managed correctly, and guide the parental establishment process.

By securing clear and enforceable agreements, compliance with legal requirements, and appropriate court orders, IRLG safeguards the parental rights of intended parents. Recently, they successfully obtained both pre-birth and post-birth orders for a same-sex couple in a state requiring a post-birth order, enabling the parents to quickly apply for the birth certificate with both their names.

Practical Advice for Intended Parents: Navigating the Journey with Confidence

For intended parents starting their journey, IRLG advises patience, thorough research, and the selection of experienced professionals, including reputable agencies, experienced clinics, and a specialized ART law firm. They emphasize clear communication with agencies and clinics, as well as financial planning, to help parents navigate the complexities of surrogacy and egg donation.

IRLG’s Philosophy: Empathy, Expertise, and Advocacy

IRLG’s approach is rooted in empathy, expertise, and dedication. As pioneers in ART law, they strive to make change, advocating for their clients' rights to be recognized as parents. Their commitment to their clients goes beyond mere legal assistance; they are partners in creating families, ensuring that every intended parent’s journey is legally sound, supportive, and empowering.

IRLG's work stands as a testament to the impact of dedicated legal support in assisted reproductive technology, offering intended parents peace of mind as they navigate their paths to parenthood.