More Men Becoming Single Dads Through Surrogacy & Adoption

A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about the legal snags that often accompany both same-sex marriage and same-sex divorce. While the fight for marriage equality is an issue that gets a lot of deserved attention in the media, it is only one of the many ways that the family law landscape is changing.

Another important topic in family law these days is having children through less-traditional means, including surrogacy agreements and adoption. Surrogacy issues are especially prevalent here in California, which has a reputation as being perhaps the most surrogacy-friendly state.

According to a recent news article, both surrogacy and adoption are growing in popularity among a seemingly unlikely group of parents: single men. More men than ever before are choosing to become parents without waiting for marriage or a long-term relationship.

Many single men who seek children through adoption and surrogacy are gay, but the practice is reportedly becoming more common for heterosexual men as well. Among those who pursue surrogacy, the one thing nearly all would-be fathers have in common is a high income. One surrogacy agency in California instructs clients to budget at least $125,000 for a single baby.

Advancements in reproductive technology, surrogacy and better access to adoption services are all making it easier for Americans to become parents. But it bears mentioning that when taking a less-traditional route to becoming a parent (especially a non-biological parent), unforeseen legal difficulties often arise.

If you’re hoping to adopt, enter a surrogacy agreement or work out a child custody agreement with an ex-spouse or partner, an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the complicated legal landscape that sometimes accompanies parenthood.

Source: TwinCities.com, “Via surrogacy, some men opt to become single dads,” David Crary, Aug. 31, 2013