Michigan Surrogacy Law - Legal Pitfalls to Avoid When Your Surrogate Lives in Michigan
Michigan Surrogacy Law - Legal Pitfalls to Avoid When Your Surrogate Lives in Michigan
Although Michigan now recognizes compensated gestational surrogacy, the process remains delicate. Failure to comply with statutory detail is the most common cause of delay in parentage adjudication.
The most significant pitfall is proceeding without independent legal representation. Michigan law requires separate counsel for the surrogate and the intended parents. Even a well-intentioned “shared attorney” scenario will undermine enforceability of the entire agreement.
Another common error involves early reimbursement transfers before contract execution. Michigan courts review financial arrangements closely. Premature payments can be construed as improper inducement and may be interpreted as undermining voluntariness.
Incomplete screenings present further risk. If a surrogate has not completed mandatory medical and psychological evaluations before embryo transfer, a court can refuse to certify the agreement, delaying or complicating parentage orders.
Insurance oversight is another source of conflict. Michigan courts expect intended parents to demonstrate that the surrogate’s medical care is fully covered. When insurance issues surface mid-pregnancy, intended parents risk substantial out-of-pocket exposure.
Each pitfall is avoidable when the process is handled with proper legal supervision and disciplined documentation.
The German American Law Center PLC specializes in international surrogacy, parentage rights, and cross-border family law. We guide intended parents through every step from surrogacy agreements and legal parentage to citizenship filings and ethical oversight.
Contact the German American Law Center PLC
📞 Phone: +1 (989) 687-5255
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://galawcenter.com
