Sperm Donor Agreements and LGBT Issues in Virginia
Arlington, VA Attorney Answers Your Questions About Assisted Conception
Forming a family in Virginia can sometimes present a different set of hurdles for LGBT parents. There are many different options available, including advanced medical technology which allows an LGBT parent to be a biological one.
There’s no federal law regulating third party reproduction — surrogacy, or sperm, egg, and embryo donation. The Association Society for Reproductive Medicine does publish guidelines, but they are not legally enforceable. If you are entering into a sperm donor agreement, or have already entered into one and have concerns about your rights, contact Claudia Zucker, Esq.
Attorney Zucker, serving clients in the Arlington area, understands the specific and delicate needs of LGBT parents and assisted conception. Matters surrounding sperm donor agreements, parental rights, and support can be confusing, and you need an experienced family law attorney on your side.
Sperm Donation: What You Should Know
There are two types of sperm donation — anonymous or known donors. Whether the donor is known or unknown, you should have a very sound and lawyer-assisted sperm donor agreement. This agreement should be between the mother and the donor. Even if the donor is through a clinic, often you can still get a legal agreement with the donor regarding medical information, identity, and future donor contact. Your attorney can work with you on this agreement. When the child is born, the mother is listed on the birth certificate and the father is listed as unknown.
If the child is born to a same sex couple, the couple should consult their family law attorney about the other spouse going through with a step-parent adoption, in order to retain parental rights.
Using a known donor is a deeply personal decision, and one that should be approached after much thought. It can have significant legal consequences for everyone involves if a breakup or family disputes occur. Agreements regarding future parental rights, visitation, and contact with the child should be worked out in advance with an attorney.
Professional organizations advise using a physician for artificial insemination, as home insemination may not comply with any Artificial Insemination statutes in place, and in turn can nullify the sperm donor’s rights under the Uniform Parentage Act.
Contact a Northern Virginia Attorney for Answers About Sperm Donation Agreements
LGBT parents face a variety of issues when using assisted conception. It’s crucial to work with an experienced and trusted attorney if you plan to use sperm donation, donated eggs, or embryos. Ensure your rights and the rights of your child are protected. Call Claudia Zucker at (703) 596-1005 to schedule a consultation.
