Using a surrogate to start or expand your family can be an ideal solution for couples who are suffering from infertility. When using a surrogate, either the biological parents' sperm and eggs can be used, or donor sperm or eggs can be utilized to create a viable embryo that will be implanted in the uterus of the surrogate mother. While surrogacy is a very good option, it is not a simple process and many things must be considered to ensure that the whole process is done in a way that protects the interests of all parties involved. Use the following tips for the best surrogacy experience:

Retain Separate Lawyers

Many couples are matched with a surrogate through an agency, while others ask a friend or family member to serve as a surrogate. No matter how you choose your surrogate, it is very important to have your own family attorney to assist in the many legalities involved in a surrogacy. Likewise, the woman who is serving as a surrogate should have a lawyer as well to ensure that her interests are protected. In most cases, a lawyer who specializes in family law would be best suited to a surrogacy case.

Ensure There is a Very Detailed Contract

An intricate contract is the cornerstone of a successful surrogacy agreement. It should make provisions for every thing that could possibly happen, as well as outline a payment schedule. Your lawyer can write up the contract, but be sure to make your wishes known; for example, do you want the surrogate mother to have genetic testing done early in the pregnancy? What are your wishes in the event that the baby has birth defects? Both you and the surrogate should be in complete agreement on the entire contract before moving forward.

Make Sure the Surrogate Has Undergone a Complete Psychological Screening

Surrogate mothers provide a great gift to couples fighting infertility issues, but not every woman is cut out to be a surrogate. Pregnancy can be a long and hard journey, both physically and mentally, so it is important to work with a surrogate who has undergone a psychological screening to ensure that she can handle the stress of carrying and birthing a baby and then hand the baby over to the parents. Most agencies that match couples with surrogates require psychological screenings for prospective surrogate mothers, but if you are not using an agency, you can hire an independent psychologist to conduct the screening for you.