Initial Consultation and Planning
Every journey begins with a detailed consultation. We review your medical history, embryo status, timeline goals, and any legal or insurance considerations specific to your situation.
This stage allows us to:
- Clarify expectations
- Identify potential legal considerations by state
- Review financial structure and planning
- Establish a realistic projected timeline
Careful planning at the beginning creates stability throughout the journey.
Medical and Psychological Evaluation
Psychological evaluations are completed for all parties to confirm preparedness and informed consent. Once matched, the surrogate completes an in-person medical evaluation at your IVF clinic.
This stage confirms:
- Medical eligibility for embryo transfer
- Emotional readiness
- Clear understanding of expectations
- Alignment in communication and decision-making
Mental health support does not end with evaluation. Throughout the journey, licensed mental health professionals remain available to both intended parents and surrogate for individual sessions, joint sessions when appropriate, and ongoing support as needed.
Legal Agreements and Escrow Funding
After medical clearance, independent attorneys draft and review the gestational agreement. All compensation terms and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Before medications begin:
- Contracts are fully executed
- Escrow is funded
- Insurance coverage is in place
- Expectations are documented in writing
This structure protects both intended parents and surrogates.
Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy
Following legal completion, the surrogate begins medical preparation for transfer.
If pregnancy is confirmed:
- Early monitoring occurs through your IVF clinic
- Care transitions to her local obstetric provider
- Communication expectations are followed
- Agency oversight continues
We remain actively involved throughout pregnancy to coordinate updates, milestone tracking, and delivery planning.
Delivery and Legal Finalization
Birth planning is discussed in advance to clarify hospital logistics and parentage documentation.
After delivery:
- Parentage orders are finalized
- Escrow reconciliation is completed
- Postpartum transition is supported
Our involvement continues until the journey is fully concluded.
Ongoing Emotional Support
Surrogacy can involve periods of anticipation, uncertainty, and adjustment. Emotional support is not treated as a one-time requirement but as an ongoing resource.
Intended parents have access to:
- Licensed mental health professionals
- Individual sessions
- Joint sessions with the surrogate when appropriate
- Guidance during transfer, pregnancy milestones, and postpartum transition
Providing structured emotional support strengthens communication and reduces misunderstandings before they escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the surrogacy process take?
Timelines vary depending on matching, medical clearance, legal drafting, and embryo transfer scheduling. On average, the process from signing with the agency to embryo transfer may take several months. Pregnancy then follows the standard timeline.
While we cannot guarantee specific timeframes, we provide structured coordination to help keep each stage moving forward as efficiently as possible.
When are agency fees due?
Agency fees are paid in scheduled installments tied to key milestones in the process. These fees are separate from surrogate compensation and other medical, legal, or insurance-related expenses.
Agency fees are professional fees for services rendered and are not contingent upon pregnancy outcome.
How is surrogate compensation funded?
Before embryo transfer, the full estimated amount outlined in the Surrogacy Contract is deposited into an independent third-party escrow account.
Escrow funds are used for surrogate compensation, reimbursements, legal fees, insurance-related expenses when required, and other contractual costs. A reserve balance is maintained to ensure timely payments throughout the journey.
If expenses exceed initial projections, additional funds may be required to maintain sufficient escrow balance.
Escrow is independently managed. Coast to Coast Surrogacy does not hold or control escrow funds but coordinates communication to ensure payments are structured according to the Surrogacy Contract.
What happens if a match does not move forward?
If a match ends prior to embryo transfer due to medical or psychological disqualification of the surrogate, the agency will rematch without an additional agency fee.
If a match ends after embryo transfer or at the intended parents’ discretion without medical or psychological cause, rematch fees may apply.
All rematch terms are outlined clearly in the Agency Agreement.
Is pregnancy guaranteed?
No agency can guarantee pregnancy or outcome. Surrogacy involves medical, legal, and emotional variables.
What we provide is structured screening, careful matching, experienced coordination, and ongoing support to reduce preventable risk and create a stable, well-managed process.
What emotional support is available?
Licensed mental health professionals are involved during screening and remain available throughout the journey. Intended parents may access individual sessions or joint sessions with the surrogate when appropriate.
Emotional preparation and support are an important part of a healthy surrogacy relationship.
Do you provide legal or medical services?
Coast to Coast Surrogacy coordinates the process and provides referrals to experienced independent medical, legal, insurance, and mental health professionals.
Intended parents retain and contract directly with those professionals.
