Working with Sperm Banks

For intended parents seeking donor sperm from either an anonymous or an identity options donor, most find themselves working with a sperm bank. There are many sperm banks in the United States, and like any business, they vary in size and service. Below are 20 important questions that you should ask each sperm bank. What qualifications are your donors required to meet? What do you do if a donor reports a medical or Read More

Surrogacy Journey Checklist

Your surrogacy journey will be a marathon. Not a sprint. Take good care of yourselves during this time. Rely on your village. We are here for you! Stage One -- Day One to Surrogate Match Select a medical clinic.  Decide on medical procedures and timeline with your doctor. Research and select donors, if needed. Begin your search for a surrogate match. Select and engage a surrogacy agency (if planning to use Read More

Jen Shares Some Popular Thoughts and Feelings Shared by Intended Parents

Dear Intended Parents, Most intended parents are lucky if they know even one other couple in their lives who have experienced surrogacy. So other than the many professionals involved in your journey, you have very little opportunity to talk with folks who have shared a similar experience. But for someone like me, I’ve talked with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of intended parents and surrogates. So trust me when I Read More

The Finances of Surrogacy

There are so many “balls in the air” when coordinating a surrogacy journey, and one of the hardest to understand, unfortunately, is cost. Often, clients are borrowing money from a family member, taking a second mortgage or loan, or withdrawing funds from a retirement or investment account to pay for their journey. The uncertainty and inability to generate even a ballpark number for what this whole thing might cost Read More

Things NOT to Ask Same Sex Parents

Just like a pregnant woman is NOT, just by virtue of being pregnant, inviting strangers to touch her belly, same sex couples and their children are NOT, just by virtue of their existence, inviting intrusive and insensitive questions into their family’s personal story or details. When you encounter a same sex couple and their children (and you will do so more and more), just ask yourself if the question you want to Read More

Do You Need a Reason to Divorce in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, there are two types of divorce, the first being Absolute Divorce and the second being Divorce from Bed and Board (with Divorce from Bed and Board being extremely rare). An Absolute Divorce completely and finally ends the marriage between two people. North Carolina is a “no-fault” divorce state.  Separation for over a year - also known as a “no-fault” divorce An absolute divorce Read More

The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media During Your Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a particularly tough time, and if you feel as though your partner has mistreated you, you might be tempted to take to social media to let the world know about it. You also might want to use social media platforms to seek out help and advice from other individuals or support groups that are going through the same experience. However, using social media during your divorce should only be Read More

LGBT Families: Tips for Protecting Your Relationship with Your Children in a Worst Case Scenario

When starting a family, one of the last things you want to think about is a tragic event occurring. However, it is vital for all families with children to at the very least make sure that they have the proper precautions in place should the worst-case scenario occur. For LBGT families, the law can be complicated, and understanding how to protect your family in the event of a spouse’s death is essential. Read More

Love Yourself: 7 Tips for Self-Care Following Divorce

Going through a divorce can leave you feeling bitter, angry, lost, and lonely. It can be all too easy for these feelings to get the better of you and suddenly you're spiraling into depression, despair, and unhealthy habits which can affect both your physical and mental health. Staying positive and finding ways to take care of yourself post-divorce is essential. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you do: Read More

Get What You Deserve: Understanding Contempt

Divorces do not always go smoothly. After the divorce, one party might disagree with a portion of the judge’s decision and decide not to follow the order. This behavior can result in an order to show cause or a motion for contempt. Whether you are the recipient of an order to show cause or a motion for contempt, or thinking of filing one against your former spouse, you should learn more about this process. Here is Read More