Familiy Building
Helping You Create the Family You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Building a family is a journey full of love, hope, and—sometimes—complicated legal steps. Whether you’re considering adoption, surrogacy, or using egg, sperm, or embryo donation, AC Howard Law understands the unique legal requirements of each path. We're here to guide you every step of the way providing guidance, clarity, and peace of mind as you grow your family.
Adoption: Welcoming Your New Family Member
Adopting a child is an incredibly meaningful decision and having a lawyer who’s a true legal advocate can make a world of difference. Whether you’re going through an agency or pursuing an independent adoption, we walk you through each requirement and help make sure you’re prepared for every step. From paperwork to court appearances, we handle the details so you can focus on welcoming your new child, or adopting the stepchild you already love dearly!
Surrogacy: Contracts for a Smooth Journey
Surrogacy is a beautiful way to grow your family, but it does come with unique legal needs. We create comprehensive, thoughtful contracts that set clear expectations for both intended parents and surrogates (as in/or more accurately, gestational carriers), helping everyone feel comfortable and secure.
Our experience representing both surrogates and intended parents gives us insight into each side’s concerns, from medical appointments to hospital procedures. This allows us to create a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved, with a well-crafted contract that keeps things clear and respectful.
Egg, Sperm, and Embryo Donation: Gifting the Legal Way
If you’re building your family through egg, sperm, or embryo donation, or considering donating yourself, there are specific rules and contracts required to make sure everything is done securely and legally.
We work with you to draft a contract that not only meets state and federal guidelines but also anticipates questions you may have down the line—questions about ownership, confidentiality, and even the logistics of navigating future visitation or ongoing familial relationships. This means you can move forward confidently, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully considered and covered.
Judgments of Parentage: Protecting Your Parental Rights
For families using a gestational carrier and for some LGBTQ+ families, ensuring legal parental rights is an important step. Whether it’s a second-parent affirmative adoption or a court-ordered judgment of parentage, we’re here to help you secure the legal recognition that protects your family’s rights, no matter where life may take you. We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate these sensitive court cases, and understand the importance of clear judicial orders to support you and your loved ones.
Why Choose AC Howard Law?
We are passionate about family building because it affirms the homes we know are full of love, perhaps ones that people have dreamed about for years. Our clients appreciate our dedication, and because family-building cases are often time-sensitive, we make sure you have the support and resources to move forward quickly.
We have experience representing a diverse range of families and prioritize making the process as inclusive and comfortable as possible while addressing your unique needs and providing guidance that’s supportive and straightforward.