Surrogacy Legal Services in Michigan
Legal Guidance for Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Donors in Michigan
Michigan made history in April 2025 when the Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act (ARSPA) and the Michigan Family Protection Act took effect, transforming the state into one with a modern, comprehensive, and protective legal framework for surrogacy and for building families through assisted reproduction in general. The change made surrogacy possible for all residents of Michigan as a legal and fully protected path to parenthood for Michigan families who, for years, could not pursue surrogacy in their own state..
Meryl B. Rosenberg, Esq. has been a Michigan-licensed attorney since 1986 and was actively involved in the development of this legislation before it passed, working to ensure its provisions were sound and protective of all parties. Since the law took effect, she has continued working on the ground to help shape how it is implemented, including working with courts on procedure. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or ready to move forward, Meryl provides legal services and private consultations tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Services Available in Michigan
Michigan Surrogacy and Gamete Donation Law: What You Should Know
The Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act established a complete statutory framework for gestational surrogacy and donation in Michigan. It covers surrogacy agreements, parentage proceedings, donor arrangements, and the rights and responsibilities of all parties. Michigan's relatively new law is inclusive and comprehensive. Intended parents regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or genetic connection to the child may pursue surrogacy and may obtain a parentage judgment either pre-birth or post-birth of the child.. Key legal considerations in Michigan include:
A parentage judgment can be obtained before or after the birth of the child. Pre-birth judgments take effect upon the child's birth and no court hearing is required unless parentage is contested. The birth certificate is issued consistent with the parentage order. There must be a court order to recognize the legal parentage of the intended parents.
The surrogacy agreement involves strict requirements under the new law; it must comply with those legal requirements, must be properly executed, with independent Michigan-licensed legal representation for all parties, and must be completed before any medical procedures begin.
Both the surrogate and each intended parent must be at least 21 years old and complete a mental health evaluation in accordance with the law.
The surrogate must have previously given birth to at least one child.
The surrogate retains full authority over all health and welfare decisions throughout the pregnancy, including the right to choose her own healthcare provider. Any agreement provision that contradicts this is void and unenforceable.
The intended parents are responsible for paying the surrogate's independent legal fees.
All Parties must consent to the surrogacy arrangement, including properly signing the surrogacy agreement.
Donor agreements covering egg, sperm, and embryo donations are drafted to comply with applicable law and the requirements of your IVF clinic. Under Michigan law, a donor is never a parent.
Post-birth parental rights confirmation proceedings are available where applicable and when needed, ensuring the intended parents' legal rights are fully recognized no matter where the parents are from.
Meryl has been working within Michigan's new legal framework since it took effect and brings firsthand knowledge of how courts and practitioners are implementing these requirements.
Surrogacy Attorney Services in MI
Full legal representation for intended parents and gestational surrogates, including surrogacy agreement drafting and negotiation in full compliance with the Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act, for the parentage court process, and also review of IVF clinic and surrogacy program (agency) documents.
Legal Services for Intended Parents in MI
Comprehensive legal services for surrogacy agreements, parentage judgments, donor agreements, IVF clinic and agency document review, and general and international surrogacy guidance.
Donor Agreements in MI
Drafting and review of egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation agreements for donors and for intended parents. Meryl is able to assist with donor agreements for clients regardless of where the donor or donor program is located, provided there is appropriate legal representation for the donor in the relevant jurisdiction.
Surrogacy Consultation in MI
Private one-on-one consultations for intended parents and surrogates who want process guidance, clarity on their options, and/or support before moving forward and throughout your surrogacy journey. Consultation services are available internationally to assist any intended parent building their family in the United States. We work closely with your attorney in your home country to ensure clarity from the very start and a smooth journey home with your baby. Ask Meryl about your specific questions regarding working with a surrogate in the United States at this time.
Legal Services for Surrogates in MI
Independent legal representation for gestational surrogates in Michigan, including surrogacy agreement drafting, review and negotiation, and guidance through every phase of the legal process through birth.
MERYL B. ROSENBERG, ESQ.
About Meryl Rosenberg, Esq.
Building families together in Michigan 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 and clear 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 and other providers worldwide and provides legal services in Maryland, Michigan, Washington D.C., and New Jersey specifically, as needed. Meryl works with all surrogacy programs (agencies) when their clients are looking for experienced representation for the legal contract phase of their process, and for the parentage proceedings.. Meryl works with her clients to ensure that their interests are properly protected and clear expectations are expressed in the relevant legal documents. With more than 30 years of experience, Meryl brings a depth of expertise, ethical practice, clear guidance, and a hands-on personal investment in the outcome of every case.
Review Meryl’s full biography, credentials, honors, accreditations, and legislative work.
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.