Katie provides comprehensive legal services for both pre- and post-surrogacy matters, including legal advice and assistance with Parentage Order applications across Australia. You can learn more about Parentage Orders by following the links below.
If you are seeking legal advice before entering a surrogacy arrangement—or regarding international surrogacy, donor arrangements, or co-parenting agreements—you can explore the range of services offered by The Family Village.
The purpose of a Parentage Order
The purpose of a Parentage Order is to legally transfer parentage from the surrogate and her partner to the intended parents. This Order (made by a Court) formally recognises the surrogacy arrangement and establishes the intended parents as the legal parents. It is also used to ensure that the relevant state Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages issue a new birth certificate listing the intended parents, replacing the names of the surrogate and her partner.
Legal requirements
Each Australian state has specific legal requirements that must be met before an application for a Parentage Order can be made. The relevant legislation outlines the general criteria, which include evidence that:
- The surrogacy arrangement was altruistic;
- The parties received appropriate legal advice and counselling;
- The surrogate and her partner consent to the Order being made.
How we can help
As an experienced Australian lawyer, Katie offers expert legal advice on all aspects of the preconditions required to obtain a Parentage Order. She also assists with the preparation and submission of Parentage Order applications in all Australian states.
Katie offers fixed-fee services, giving you peace of mind by avoiding hourly billing.
If you are expecting a baby through surrogacy in the coming months, it’s not too early to begin preparing for your Parentage Order application.
Legal consultations are available to intended parents across Australia via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, telephone, or in person. To schedule an appointment, please use the link below or email us at hello@thefamilyvillage.com.au.
