Choose Which Type

• A family that is considering surrogacy must choose from one of two types of surrogacy. The first type is called Traditional Surrogacy. Traditional Surrogacy is when the father provides the sperm for the doctors to use with the surrogate's egg. The second type is called Gestational Surrogacy. Gestational Surrogacy is when the surrogate has been provided with the sperm and the egg. The sperm and the egg are usually from the intended parents, but they can be from another source such as a sperm bank. Couples must choose which direction they would like to take before proceeding.
  
  

Find a Surrogate

• Finding a surrogate is not easy. If you know a friend or a family member that will be willing to be a surrogate for you, that is great. Otherwise you will have a hard time finding a willing participant. This is because it is no longer legal to pay someone to be a surrogate. The only financial transactions that can take place are for medical care, pregnancy clothing and anything related to the pregnancy. In some cases the surrogate can receive money for wages that were lost due to the pregnancy.
  
  

Hire a Lawyer

• You will need a lawyer for the entire surrogacy process. The lawyer will be able to draw up legal documents and explain them to the surrogate. He must make sure the surrogate understands all of their rights during this process. The lawyer should also be used for all financial transactions that take place so that there is no doubt that they are legal transactions. The lawyer will also need to file for adoption of the child once the child is born. If the surrogate's egg is used and the surrogate changes her mind about giving the baby up for adoption, you will have a problem. You will need the lawyer to help ensure this doesn't happen.
  
  

Take Possession of the Baby

• In most cases the hospital is ready to give you possession as soon as the baby is born and cleared to leave the hospital. If your lawyer has done her job, the paperwork will be ready. If your egg and sperm were used, you will be listed as the baby's parents on the birth certificate and no adoption procedure is necessary. If the egg of the surrogate was used, you will have to go through an adoption process, but you may still take the child home from the hospital when the baby is born.