Classification note: Green means California has a comprehensive statutory framework. It does not mean every arrangement automatically satisfies the law.
What California law addresses
California Family Code provisions governing assisted reproduction and gestational-carrier agreements set formal requirements for these arrangements. The agreement must be in writing, the intended parent or parents and gestational carrier must be represented by separate independent licensed attorneys, and statutory timing requirements apply before medications or embryo transfer.
Parentage procedure
California law provides a court process for determining parentage in connection with a compliant gestational-carrier agreement. The exact filing, timing and vital-record procedures should be handled by California counsel for the particular case.
What this means for a surrogate
The important point is not that California is “surrogacy-friendly,” but that the state has a detailed legal framework. Your own attorney should review the agreement, compensation terms, insurance responsibilities, medical-decision provisions and parentage procedure before you sign.