Have a question that isn’t answered here? Contact us or book a free consultation. You can also read the full intended parent process and our surrogacy cost breakdown.
Intended parents
Surrogacy FAQs for intended parents
Most families start with a free video consultation, spend $150,000–$210,000 in total for surrogacy in California, and welcome their baby 14 to 20 months later. Below are straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start the surrogacy process?
Start with a 30 or 60-minute video consultation. We discuss your fertility goals and build a customized plan. Apply online and we will contact you within 24–48 hours.
How much does surrogacy cost?
In California, total costs generally range from $150,000 to $210,000, including surrogate compensation, IVF clinic fees, legal fees, agency fees, insurance and escrow. See our surrogacy cost page for the breakdown.
How long does surrogacy take?
Typically 14 to 20 months from consultation to birth, depending on IVF, matching and legal timing.
How is my surrogate selected?
Your matching specialist proposes surrogates who fit your location, communication, medical, financial and values preferences. You meet by video, and a match is final only when both sides agree.
Will I be able to contact or meet my surrogate?
Yes. You meet by video before matching, agree on how often you'll communicate, and many families attend key appointments and the birth.
Where will the baby be delivered?
Usually at a hospital near your surrogate's home in a surrogacy-friendly state. The hospital and birth plan are agreed in the surrogacy contract.
What does the surrogacy legal process involve?
Each side has an independent reproductive attorney. The Gestational Surrogacy Agreement is signed before any medication starts, and in states like California a pre-birth parentage order puts your names on the birth certificate.
Can I qualify as a single parent?
Yes. Royal works with single parents, married and unmarried couples, and same-sex couples. California law gives all of them equal access to parentage protections.
Do you work with international intended parents?
Yes. We serve parents worldwide in English, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, and help with post-birth documents, passports and travel home.
Is my surrogate genetically related to my baby?
No. Royal works only with gestational surrogates. The embryo is created from your eggs and sperm or from donors, so the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.