Surrogacy Attorney in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. offers one of the most clearly defined and inclusive legal environments for gestational surrogacy in the country. Having an experienced surrogacy attorney who knows D.C. law thoroughly — and who understands the deeply personal nature of the process — makes all the difference.
Meryl B. Rosenberg, Esq. has represented intended parents, gestational surrogates, and donors in the D.C. area since 1993 since it has been legally possible to build your family there, making her one of the most experienced reproductive law attorneys practicing in the jurisdiction. Her approach is thorough, personal, and focused on making sure every client feels protected, informed, and confident at every stage.
Surrogacy Agreements in Washington, D.C.
The surrogacy agreement is the legal foundation of every surrogacy arrangement, and in D.C., it must be fully executed with independent legal representation for all parties before any medical procedures begin. Ensuring that all rights and duties are clearly defined consistent with D.C. law before the embryo transfer proceeds is not just best practice — it is essential.
Meryl drafts agreements that are detailed, clear, and specific to each arrangement and each client's circumstances. Topics covered include compensation and expense management, medical decision-making, communication expectations, duties and expectations of all parties,and the full path to legal parentage under D.C. law.
The Parentage Process in Washington, D.C.
D.C. law supports a pre-birth parentage court process with the appropriate jurisdictional requirements met, resulting in a judgment of parentage that legally recognizes the intended parents as the child's legal parents from birth. This is one of the most important protections available to intended parents — it means there is no gap in legal parenthood from the moment of delivery, and the intended parents' names are entered directly on the child’s birth certificate.
D.C.'s parentage framework is notably inclusive. It applies regardless of whether the intended parents are married or unmarried, same-sex or opposite-sex, and regardless of whose genetics are involved. Meryl advises clients on the specific process that applies to their situation and handles all required court filings with care and in a timely manner. In some circumstances, the judgment may be obtained post-birth; Meryl advises clients on the approach that best fits each arrangement.
Serving All Intended Parents in Washington, D.C.
Meryl works with a wide range of intended parents in the D.C. area, including married couples, same-sex individuals, single individuals, and international intended parents pursuing surrogacy in the United States. D.C.'s broad and inclusive parentage framework is one of its greatest strengths for intended parents, and Meryl ensures that every client understands their rights and options from the very beginning of the process.
What a Surrogacy Attorney Does in Washington D.C.
In D.C., experienced surrogacy legal counsel is involved from the earliest stages of planning through the final recognition of parentage. A surrogacy attorney does far more than draft contracts — she ensures that the entire arrangement is structured correctly, is legally sound, and provides the appropriate protections and process for everyone involved.
Meryl's role as your surrogacy attorney in Washington, D.C. includes:
Drafting and negotiating the gestational surrogacy agreement to reflect the rights, intentions, and expectations of all parties under D.C. law.
Ensuring all required medical and psychological screenings are coordinated before the agreement is signed and before the embryo transfer.
Guiding intended parents through the D.C. parentage court process, which results in a judgment of parentage typically obtained before the birth of the baby and also may be obtained following birth.
Representing gestational surrogates with independent legal counsel as required under D.C. practice.
Reviewing IVF clinic informed consent documents and surrogacy agency agreements — available to clients nationwide and internationally.
Coordinating relevant discussions with attorneys representing other parties.Guiding international intended parents through the additional legal requirements of U.S.-based surrogacy, coordinating with home country attorneys.
About Meryl Rosenberg, Esq.
Building families together in Washington D.C. is my privilege and my joy.
Meryl B. Rosenberg, Esq. has practiced reproductive law exclusively since 1993, guiding intended parents, surrogates, and donors through every aspect of the surrogacy and third-party reproduction process. She was one of the first to practice in this evolving and growing field, and has helped shape reproductive law in the United States in an ethical manner. Meryl works with other professionals to continually improve the field, ensuring secure, legal pathways to parenthood are in place nationwide. She consults with clients worldwide and provides legal services in Maryland, Michigan, Washington D.C., and New Jersey.
With more than 30 years of experience, Meryl brings deep expertise, clear communication, and a personal investment in the outcome of every case.
Ready to Begin Your Family-Building Journey?
An introductory 30 minute call with Meryl is available at no charge. Reach her directly at (301) 217-0074 or use the form below for the quickest response to schedule your call.