xp: Can anyone tell me about GCs?

may2806 · December 2011

My SIL has generously offered to be a GC for us. We're not sure yet if this is the path we will take but we're meeting with a lawyer on Monday. I was wondering if any of you ladies have had experience using or being a GC, and if so, any specific questions I should ask? I know laws vary from state to state. I hope to be able to join you on this board eventually - as you can see from my siggie it's been a long hard road.

ohiostategal · December 2011

I didn't use one but have a good friend that did. I bet your atty will be able to answer any and all questions for your state. I know that some insurance policies will cover medical expenses for a GC and some will not (and some will if they are not being paid but won't if they are) so that would be am important thing to figure out from her insurance at some point. Good luck!

Mrs.Reem · December 2011

I was the gestational carrier. (almost)

You'll want to find out how GC friendly your state is and what you'll need to do before/ after the birth with the prebirth order to make sure you're on the birth certificate, etc.

You might want to talk about the best way to reimburse her for Dr appts etc.

Also maybe ask whether they've done a surrogacy contract before (we used a family law lawyer who specialized in it because we had an independent agreement. )

Maybe ask if they have a contract that is standard and that you can make changes to as you see fit.

There are tons of things you'll want to put into the contract, and I can speak to some of those, but as far as an initial consultation with the lawyer, I can't think of anything else.

may2806 · December 2011

Mrs.Reem:
I was the gestational carrier. (almost)
You'll want to find out how GC friendly your state is and what you'll need to do before/ after the birth with the prebirth order to make sure you're on the birth certificate, etc.
You might want to talk about the best way to reimburse her for Dr appts etc.
Also maybe ask whether they've done a surrogacy contract before (we used a family law lawyer who specialized in it because we had an independent agreement. )
Maybe ask if they have a contract that is standard and that you can make changes to as you see fit.
There are tons of things you'll want to put into the contract, and I can speak to some of those, but as far as an initial consultation with the lawyer, I can't think of anything else.

Thank you for your response. I hope it's ok if I PM you after our consult if I have any more specific questions. I know our state (NJ) is not particularly GC-friendly, and since I'd also be using DE I don't think I'd be able to be on a pre-birth order and will instead have to do an adoption. Not sure how involved that is or how much it costs. Also we'll have to make sure her insurance will cover her - if not it might be a dealbreaker. The lawyer was recommended by my RE, and specializes in reproductive/family law.

When SIL first volunteered, using DE and GC seemed simpler than going the traditional adoption route, and since I've been on this journey so long I just want the quickest path to a baby. I guess we will see what exactly it entails before deciding for sure.

Mrs.Reem · December 2011

Sure, no problem!

Another option IF your SIL were up for it, (that's a big IF) could be an IUI with her eggs. Not sure if that would be weird though. Just something to think about. It would be less costly on many fronts but the emotional aspect might also be difficult.

Also, if her insurance doesn't cover it, there is one company I know of that will cover her. I had a backup policy through them and I can give you that info if you need it.

may2806 · December 2011

Mrs.Reem:
Sure, no problem!
Another option IF your SIL were up for it, (that's a big IF) could be an IUI with her eggs. Not sure if that would be weird though. Just something to think about. It would be less costly on many fronts but the emotional aspect might also be difficult.
Also, if her insurance doesn't cover it, there is one company I know of that will cover her. I had a backup policy through them and I can give you that info if you need it.

Actually it's DH's sister so that wouldn't work with her eggs

Yes, I know there are policies you can buy, but aren't they quite expensive? That's what I was worried about... maybe you could PM me the details.

may2806 · December 2011

Mrs.Reem:
Sure, no problem!
Another option IF your SIL were up for it, (that's a big IF) could be an IUI with her eggs. Not sure if that would be weird though. Just something to think about. It would be less costly on many fronts but the emotional aspect might also be difficult.
Also, if her insurance doesn't cover it, there is one company I know of that will cover her. I had a backup policy through them and I can give you that info if you need it.

Actually it's DH's sister so that wouldn't work with her eggs since we are using his sperm

Yes, I know there are policies you can buy, but aren't they quite expensive? That's what I was worried about... maybe you could PM me the details.

Want a personalized experience?

xp: Can anyone tell me about GCs?

Re: xp: Can anyone tell me about GCs?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards