Escrow and payment administration
Many surrogacy arrangements use an escrow or other third-party payment administrator, but the structure is not identical across programs. Confirm who holds funds, whether that entity is independent, what rules govern releases and what happens if additional funding is required.
Payment triggers
Compensation may include base payments, expense allowances, reimbursements and event-specific payments. The exact triggers should come from the signed agreement rather than a generic schedule.
Funding requirements
The agreement or escrow instructions may require intended parents to deposit funds before certain stages of the journey. Ask how funding sufficiency is monitored and what procedure applies if the balance falls below the required amount.
Reimbursements
Travel, childcare, lost wages or other covered expenses may require documentation and submission under specified deadlines. Review those rules before incurring expenses so you understand what is reimbursable and how claims are processed.
If a payment is late or disputed
Your contract should explain notice requirements, remedies and who resolves disputes. Your independent attorney can help you understand those provisions before you sign and advise you if a problem occurs.
Questions to ask before signing
- Who holds and releases compensation funds?
- When must funds be deposited or replenished?
- What documentation is required for reimbursements?
- What happens after a cancelled cycle, pregnancy loss or early end to the journey?
- How are disputed or late payments handled?
Related guides
How compensation is structured · 2026 compensation benchmark · Legal considerations