Sperm Donation
Legal Clarity for Families Built Through Donor Conception
Sperm donation helps individuals and couples become parents.
It is used by single parents, couples facing infertility, and LGBTQ+ families.
Nevada law strongly protects families formed through donor conception.
The key is clear legal planning from the start.
At The Cooley Law Firm, we help intended parents and donors create agreements that define roles, rights, and expectations—so everyone is protected and understood.
What is Sperm Donation?
Sperm donation occurs when a donor provides sperm used to conceive a child through assisted reproduction, such as:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Under NRS Chapter 126, Nevada law clearly distinguishes between:
Intended Parents – the person or people who plan to raise the child
Donors – individuals who provide genetic material but do not intend to parent
A properly drafted written agreement ensures the donor is not a legal parent and the intended parents are fully recognized.
Legal Requirements in Nevada
Nevada provides strong protections when the law is followed.
Key Legal Principles:
A sperm donor is not a legal parent when conception occurs through assisted reproduction and a valid written agreement exists.
Intended parents are the child’s legal parents, regardless of genetic connection (NRS 126.590).
Donors cannot later claim parental rights or obligations.
Donation may be identified (known) or non-identified (anonymous), based on the parties’ agreement.
We ensure every agreement meets Nevada law, federal requirements, and clinic protocols.
Our Sperm Donation Legal Services
Attorney Shelly Booth Cooley provides comprehensive guidance for all parties.
For Intended Parents
Drafting or reviewing sperm donor agreements
Coordinating with fertility clinics and medical providers
Securing pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders or confirmatory adoptions
Advising on anonymity, disclosure, and future contact
For Donors
Independent legal review of agreements
Clear explanation of non-parental status
Protection of confidentiality and privacy rights
For LGBTQ+ Families and Single Parents
Parentage orders and confirmatory adoptions
Documentation reflecting all parents—or a single parent—on the birth certificate
Protection across state and federal lines
How AB 227 Strengthens Protection
In 2025, Nevada enacted AB 227, modernizing parentage law.
AB 227:
Reinforces protections for intended parents in assisted reproduction
Creates Confirmatory Adoption for added nationwide security
Uses gender-neutral, inclusive language to protect all families
Shelly Booth Cooley helped draft and advocate for AB 227, giving clients direct insight into how the law is intended to work.
Why Legal Counsel Matters
Even in a supportive state like Nevada, written agreements are essential.
A proper legal agreement:
Confirms intent and non-parental status
Prevents future disputes
Meets clinic, state, and federal requirements
Protects privacy, compensation terms, and consent
Clear documentation protects donors, parents, and children—now and in the future.
Why Choose The Cooley Law Firm
Extensive ART Experience
Representation in sperm, egg, and embryo donation, surrogacy, and confirmatory adoption.
Legislative Leadership
Direct involvement in AB 227, Nevada’s modern family-building law.
Inclusive, Compassionate Representation
Support for married and unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ families, and single parents.
Collaborative Process
Seamless coordination with clinics, agencies, and medical professionals nationwide.
Building Families with Clarity and Confidence
Sperm donation is a generous act that helps create families.
The law should protect everyone involved.
At The Cooley Law Firm, we ensure your agreements are clear, your parentage is secure, and your family is protected under Nevada law.
Ready to Move Forward?
Contact The Cooley Law Firm to schedule a consultation with Shelly Booth Cooley, a Las Vegas assisted-reproduction and family-building attorney and Adoption & ART Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.
Take the next step in your family’s journey with confidence.
