Knowing where to start when considering building your family through surrogacy, donor conception or other assisted reproduction can feel complex and daunting. Our team of specialist lawyers are experienced in advising on all aspects of fertility law and assisted reproduction and are ready to support you through your journey to parenthood.
With advances in fertility treatment, there are now a variety of ways to conceive a child and become a parent including egg/sperm donation, IVF, surrogacy and co-parenting. We recognise that every family, intended parent and fertility journey is unique and that in turn requires a dedicated approach and bespoke advice.
We act for many different clients who have a wide range of priorities and concerns, including single parents, same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families, and co-parenting families of more than two parents. Whether you are a single person or a couple, using a donor who is a friend, relative or person found more formally through a clinic or you are using a surrogate, we can guide you through the relevant steps and help you to understand the legal issues surrounding these processes. We appreciate the huge emotional investment made in undergoing fertility treatment and building a family and are committed to minimising any stress as we help you navigate the legal points.
Before starting your fertility journey, it is important to understand that the circumstances around the conception of a child can impact on their legal status and who is considered to be their parent(s). The concept of legal parentage is complex and it can be difficult to understand what it will mean for your individual situation. This is particularly true for domestic and international surrogacy arrangements and we regularly advise clients in this regard who are Using a Surrogate. If your treatment or arrangement takes place overseas or involves an international element, we can help you navigate any additional hurdles that may bring and call upon our immigration team and international contacts where needed.
Unfortunately, particularly when prospective parents enter into informal arrangements, issues or disputes can arise. We can help you to avoid or lessen the risk of these issues by working with you to prepare a Pre-conception donor agreement or Co-parenting agreement ahead of the conception or birth of your child. We also have a wealth of experience in assisting parents who are already in the court process and need legal advice and representation.
It is never too early to consider the legal aspects of becoming a parent and we regularly advise clients at the very start of their fertility journey to ensure that all aspects are properly considered and addressed before decisions are made and treatment begins. We can assist you whether you are just at the point of considering your options, you have started your journey or your child has been born. Our specialist team are on hand to provide bespoke and considered advice which is tailored to your specific family circumstances.
Contact our specialist Family lawyers
If you require further information or advice from our team of specialist family lawyers, please contact a member of our team, email us or call us on +44 (0)20 7814 1200. Alternatively you can submit a brief online enquiry here.
Sital Fontenelle
Partner and Head of Department
Abby Buckland
Partner
Lauren Evans
Partner
Jane Keir
Partner
Will MacFarlane (Français)
Partner
Will MacFarlane
Partner
Stacey Nevin
Partner
Alexandra Bishop
Legal Director
Claire Wood (Français)
Legal Director
Claire Wood
Legal Director
Charlotte Bradley (Français)
Senior Consultant
Charlotte Bradley
Senior Consultant
Hannah Butcher
Senior Associate
Colleen Hall (Français)
Senior Associate
Colleen Hall
Senior Associate
Mia Harrison
Senior Associate
Cate Maguire
Senior Associate
Hannah Muress
Senior Practice Development Lawyer
Olivia Stiles
Senior Associate
Rachel Cooper
Associate
Lydia Holland
Associate
Liam Hurren
Associate
Eleanor Mills
Associate
Lisa Robertson
Associate
Nevin Rosenberg (Français)
Associate
Nevin Rosenberg
Associate
Stavriana Alexandrou
Senior Paralegal
Charlotte Daintith
Trainee Solicitor
Eimear Sloan
Paralegal
