Surrogacy

Legal Protection for Modern Families

Surrogacy helps individuals and couples build families through collaboration, trust, and medical science.

Nevada is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the nation.

State law provides clear legal protections for both intended parents and gestational carriers.

At The Cooley Law Firm, we handle the legal side of surrogacy from start to finish.

Our goal is simple: protect everyone involved and secure your family’s legal foundation.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Surrogacy involves medical providers, agencies, contracts, and court orders. Without proper legal steps, parentage can be delayed—or disputed.

We help ensure that:

  • Parentage is legally established

  • Everyone’s rights are protected

  • There are no surprises at the hospital or after birth

Types of Surrogacy

Nevada law recognizes two forms of surrogacy—but treats them very differently.

Gestational Surrogacy (Most Common)

  • The gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the child

  • The embryo is created using the egg and/or sperm of the intended parents or donors

  • Valid and enforceable under Nevada law when properly executed

  • Governed by NRS Chapter 126

Traditional Surrogacy

  • The surrogate provides her own egg

  • She is genetically related to the child

  • Not recognized under Nevada’s enforceable surrogacy statutes

  • Requires special legal planning and heightened caution

Most surrogacy arrangements in Nevada are gestational surrogacy agreements.

Our Surrogacy Services

Attorney Shelly Booth Cooley provides comprehensive representation in assisted reproduction matters.

For Intended Parents

  • Drafting and negotiating Gestational Carrier Agreements

  • Coordinating with fertility clinics, agencies, and medical providers

  • Securing pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders

  • Advising on compensation, expenses, and confidentiality

  • Guidance on confirmatory adoption, when recommended for added protection—especially for interstate or international recognition

For Gestational Carriers

  • Independent legal representation

  • Plain-language explanation of every contract term

  • Protection of medical, financial, and personal rights

  • Guidance on compensation and reimbursements

  • Assurance that intended parents assume full legal responsibility at birth

Establishing Legal Parentage

Nevada allows intended parents to be legally recognized through court orders.

Pre-Birth Orders

  • Issued before delivery

  • Intended parents are listed directly on the birth certificate

  • Provides clarity at the hospital and during travel

Post-Birth Orders

  • Entered after birth

  • Used when additional documentation or timing is required

These orders eliminate uncertainty and protect your family from day one.

We prepare and file all required petitions and declarations and coordinate with:

  • County courts

  • Hospitals

  • The Office of Vital Records

Egg, Sperm, and Embryo Donation

Many surrogacy journeys involve donated genetic material.

We draft and review:

  • Egg, sperm, and embryo donation agreements

  • Anonymity, compensation, and confidentiality provisions

  • Coordination between donors, intended parents, and carriers

Every agreement clearly states that donors have no parental rights, ensuring the intended parents’ exclusive legal parentage under Nevada law.