The Surrogacy Legal Process Explained: Contracts, Parental Rights and Common Mistakes

Surrogacy Psychological Evaluation Explained: What Intended Parents & Surrogates Should Expect

What happens during a psychological evaluation in surrogacy, and why is it required for both intended parents and surrogates? In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by Dr. Steven Covelluzzi, a clinical psychologist specializing in third-party reproduction, to explain how the psychological screening process works and why it plays a critical role in successful surrogacy journeys. The psychological evaluation is one of the most important and often misunderstood steps in surrogacy. Many intended parents and surrogates feel uncertain about what is being assessed, what questions will be asked, and whether the process is something they need to "pass." This conversation breaks down what actually happens during a surrogacy psychological evaluation, including how emotional readiness, expectations, communication, and support systems are assessed. Dr. Covelluzzi explains that this is not a pass-or-fail test, but a structured consultation designed to help identify potential challenges early and support both parties throughout the journey. The episode also explores the emotional realities of surrogacy, including trust, control, and the relationship between intended parents and surrogates, helping listeners better understand what it truly means to move forward with a surrogacy journey. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS • What a surrogacy psychological evaluation is • Why both intended parents and surrogates must complete a psych screening • What psychologists assess during the process • Emotional readiness and expectations in surrogacy • Common fears about the psych evaluation process • The role of trust and control in surrogacy • What makes a surrogate psychologically prepared • How agencies and psychologists support the journey WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Intended parents considering surrogacy Women thinking about becoming a surrogate Families preparing for a surrogacy journey Anyone wanting to understand the psychological side of surrogacy QUESTIONS ANSWERED What happens during a surrogacy psychological evaluation? Is the psych evaluation a pass or fail process? Why do intended parents need a psychological screening? What are psychologists looking for in a surrogate? How does emotional readiness impact a surrogacy journey? ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephen Covelluzzi is a clinical psychologist specializing in surrogacy and third-party reproduction. With years of experience supporting intended parents and surrogates, he helps individuals navigate the emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of the surrogacy process. Learn more: https://www.sjcbehavioralhealth.com [https://www.sjcbehavioralhealth.com] ABOUT THE SURROGATE BUZZ The Surrogate Buzz is a podcast created by Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., a U.S. surrogacy agency with more than 28 years of experience helping intended parents and surrogates navigate ethical, transparent, and relationship-focused surrogacy journeys.

Where does the money go in surrogacy, and how is it actually protected?

In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by Adam Winder, CEO of SeedTrust, to explain how escrow works in surrogacy and why it is one of the most important parts of the process. Surrogacy involves a significant financial commitment with payments made over time. This conversation breaks down how escrow accounts manage those funds, how payments are reviewed and released, and what safeguards should be in place to protect both intended parents and surrogates. You'll learn why independent escrow matters, what risks to avoid, and how transparency and structure create a safer, more stable journey. If you're asking "Is my money safe in surrogacy?" this episode gives you a clear, straightforward answer. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How escrow works in surrogacy Where surrogacy funds go How payments are managed and released Why independent escrow matters What financial risks to avoid How both intended parents and surrogates are protected

The Surrogacy Legal Process Explained: Contracts, Parental Rights and Common Mistakes

What should intended parents and surrogates understand about the legal process of surrogacy before beginning a journey? In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by surrogacy attorney Brian Klein of Klein Fertility Law to explain the legal foundations of gestational surrogacy in the United States. Surrogacy involves contracts, medical procedures, and court orders that establish parental rights and protect both intended parents and gestational carriers. Brian breaks down how surrogacy contracts work, how parental rights are established through pre-birth and post-birth orders, and the legal protections that exist throughout the journey. They also discuss common legal mistakes intended parents should avoid and why communication between agencies, attorneys, and surrogates plays a critical role in successful surrogacy journeys. This conversation is designed to help intended parents and prospective surrogates better understand the legal framework behind surrogacy so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. About Our Guest Brian Klein is a surrogacy attorney and founder of Klein Fertility Law, where he represents intended parents and surrogates in assisted reproduction and fertility law matters. Learn more about Brian Klein and Klein Fertility Law: https://www.kleinfertilitylaw.com [https://www.kleinfertilitylaw.com/] Learn More About Surrogate Alternatives https://www.surrogatealternatives.com [https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/]

Red Flags When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency: What Intended Parents and Surrogates Should Know

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions intended parents and surrogates will make during the family-building journey. Understanding potential warning signs early can help prevent unnecessary stress, risk, and financial uncertainty later. In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by Senior Case Manager and experienced surrogate Nicole to discuss red flags to watch for when evaluating a surrogacy agency. The conversation explores how medical screening, communication practices, financial protections, and agency experience can impact both safety and overall outcomes throughout a journey. This episode is designed to help intended parents and prospective surrogates feel more informed, confident, and prepared when researching agencies. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS • Why medical record review is critical before matching • Communication policies that may signal concern • How agency experience affects outcomes when challenges arise • The importance of independent trust accounts and escrow protection • Financial transparency for intended parents and surrogates • What trustworthy agencies consistently do differently • Questions to consider when evaluating an agency WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Intended parents researching surrogacy Women considering becoming a surrogate Families comparing agency options Anyone seeking clearer guidance on third-party reproduction Surrogate Alternatives https://www.surrogatealternatives.com [https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/] Become a Parent: https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/intended-parents Become a Surrogate: https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/become-a-surrogate [https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/become-a-surrogate] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiagency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sai.agency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saicorp [https://www.facebook.com/saicorp] The Surrogate Buzz is the official podcast of Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., a U.S. surrogacy agency with more than 28 years of experience supporting intended parents and surrogates through ethical, transparent, and relationship-focused journeys.

What Intended Parents and Surrogates Should Ask Before Matching

Matching is one of the most important decisions in the surrogacy journey, yet it's also where many people realize they didn't ask the right questions early enough. In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, we walk through what intended parents and surrogates should be asking before they match. From reviewing profiles to the first match call, we discuss the questions that shape communication, expectations, and long-term success. Our host, Rebecca Deegan, Lead Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by Surrogacy Journey Coordinator Allie to share real-world insight from years of guiding successful matches. Topics include embryo considerations, lifestyle expectations, communication preferences, support systems, and why honesty early in the process protects everyone involved. Whether you are an intended parent exploring surrogacy or a prospective surrogate preparing for a match, this episode is designed to help you approach the matching process with clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations.