You probably have many questions if you’re planning on being a surrogate for someone you know in California. In this guide, our goal is to help you find answers about the process.

It’s normal to have questions about being a surrogate for a family in CA, such as:

• How do I become a surrogate for my friend in California?
• Can you be a surrogate for a family member in California?
• Can I be a surrogate mother for my daughter in CA?
• Is it weird to be a surrogate for your brother in CA?
• How much does independent surrogacy cost in California?
• And more

Being a surrogate for family in California or becoming a surrogate for a friend in California can be complicated, so it’s wise to talk to a surrogacy specialist. To find one today, please complete our online form. Now, keep reading to get answers to your questions about being a surrogate mother for a family member in California.

How Do I Become a Surrogate for a Friend or Family Member in California?

Being a surrogate for someone you know in California is a great gift, but it’s also a big commitment. You’re performing a precious service for someone you know and love. Still, there are some considerations you should account for before agreeing to be a surrogate for a friend in California.

Being a surrogate for someone you know in California may influence your relationships in positive or negative ways. The legal, emotional and financial challenges you face when being a surrogate for someone you know in California are unique. That’s why you should discuss them with your surrogacy professional and the person who asked you about surrogacy.

If you plan on being a surrogate for someone you know in CA, you’ll have to meet the same requirements for surrogacies involving people who aren’t known to one another. These requirements can vary by professional but may include: 

• Be 21-40  years old
• Have a healthy BMI 
• No smoking
• No illegal drug use 
• Have at least one prior successful pregnancy  
• Be currently raising a child in your home 

Surrogacy for a stranger and being a surrogate for someone you know in California are almost identical, except there’s no need for matching when you already know the intended parents. Your agency will still be a vital part of the process when you’re being a surrogate for a family member in California (or a friend), however.

In some surrogacies, the parties pursue private or independent surrogacy in California with no assistance from an agency. If you’re considering that option, just remember that saving on the cost of independent surrogacy in California is often less important than getting high-quality support from a surrogacy professional.

How to Be a Surrogate Mother for a Friend in California 

It’s normal to ask, “I want to be a surrogate for my friend in California, but how can I do that?” Once you meet the requirements to be a surrogate for a friend in CA, the process is identical to any other surrogacy.  

Even though the requirements for being a surrogate for a friend in California are the same, there are emotional factors unique to being a surrogate for a friend in California you should consider. Before being a surrogate mother for a friend in CA, ask yourself: 

• Am I willing to give up a year for the surrogacy process? 
• Will surrogacy negatively impact our relationship? 
• Does my support system extend outside of this friendship? 

Make sure to answer these questions before beginning the process. To get help, please contact a surrogacy professional. 

How Much Does It Cost to Be a Surrogate for a Friend in California? 

Surrogacy is expensive for intended parents, and the price includes medical costs and compensation to the surrogate mother. If you’re being a gestational surrogate for a friend in California, you’ll need to choose between an altruistic or compensated surrogacy.  

If you’ve chosen to be a surrogate for a friend in CA, discussing compensation may feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. You may prefer to avoid the conversation about pay altogether, but please give it some thought. Your friend respects the precious gift you’re giving, and they’re probably happy to repay you for your sacrifice. 

Being a surrogate mother for a friend in California is a huge commitment that will have emotional, physical, and mental implications. An altruistic surrogacy is truly generous, but it can also lead to tension in your relationship. That’s why most surrogacy professionals advise surrogates to agree on some amount of compensation in their surrogacy contract.

How to Be a Surrogate for a Family Member in California

Sometimes, family members may be approached about surrogacy when other methods of building a family have been unsuccessful. Becoming a surrogate for a family member in California is loving and beautiful because it helps a relative fulfill their dreams of starting a family.

Being a surrogate mother for family member in California generates internal dynamics that can influence family relationships, such as:

• Being a surrogate for a family in California requires diligent planning. Your surrogacy professional can help you get through it.  
• Becoming a surrogate for a family member in CA is a tremendous gift that can enhance your family relationships. However, it can also lead to tension in those relationships, so that’s important to consider.
• Altruistic surrogacy is wonderful, but accepting compensation can ease potential strains on family relationships. Your surrogacy professional and attorney can help you set an amount of compensation that makes everyone comfortable.

When considering whether to serve as a surrogate for family in CA, you should talk it over with a surrogacy specialist early on to ensure you understand the process. You can connect with a surrogacy professional today by completing our contact form.  

Does Being a Surrogate for a Family Member in California Feel Strange? 

You may ask, “Can you be a surrogate mother for a sibling in California?” Yes, you can. However, some people assume being a surrogate for a sibling in California is uncomfortable or weird, though that’s not usually the case.

Being a surrogate for family in California is a personal choice, and you should consider the potential complications involved before committing.

Complex Emotions May Be Involved

If a family member asked you about surrogacy, it may be because they’ve dealt with the painful experience of being unable to carry their child themselves. That can lead to feelings of jealousy during your pregnancy, even if you’re sensitive to their feelings. Serving as a surrogate for brother and sister-in-law in California (or another sibling and their partner) can give rise to old sibling rivalries.  

There May Be Financial Impacts 

Being a surrogate for a family in California is a selfless gift, and you may not be compelled to accept compensation. Altruistic surrogacy is an option, but it’s not recommended in family surrogacy situations. You’re giving up a year to assist a family member in building a family. You’ll experience the physical and emotional strain of pregnancy and so deserve to be compensated. Having a financial conversation is wise to prevent resentment.  

Boundaries May Be Crossed 

Being a surrogate for family in California may result in usual boundaries being crossed, and you must consider that.  Most hopeful intended parents wish to be involved in the surrogacy process by doing things like joining you for doctors’ appointments or being in the delivery room during birth. That can be awkward for some, but being a surrogate for a sister in California (or brother) means you must welcome their participation in these highly personal moments.  

 

Family Dynamics May Change Forever

Being a surrogate for family in CA will definitely alter your relationship with your family members, both for better and for worse. Also, though your relationship with the intended parents may change, there are also others to consider. Your children, spouse, parents, and cousins will deal with these shifting dynamics, too.

Final Thoughts About Being a Surrogate for Someone You Know in California

Being a surrogate for someone you know in California is certainly noble and kind, and it benefits everyone involved. Your friend or family member gets the family they’ve dreamed of having, and you get to improve your family’s life through compensation. If you’re considering surrogacy for a friend or family member, it’s wise to consult a surrogacy professional. To connect with one, please complete our online form when you’re ready to begin.