Whether you’re applying to become a surrogate or a hopeful parent searching for that right person to help grow your family, choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The agency you select will impact everything, from how informed and supported you feel to how smoothly the legal, medical and emotional steps unfold.
California is home to many surrogacy agencies, but not all offer the same level of care, transparency and guidance. The best agencies prioritize your experience, protect your interests and provide resources that empower you throughout the process.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 7 signs of a truly supportive surrogacy agency and how to recognize one that will advocate for you every step of the way.
1. Transparent and Competitive Compensation Packages
If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, one of your first questions is probably about compensation, and rightfully so. A good agency will be upfront about how much you’ll earn, what’s included and when you’ll receive it. The same goes for intended parents: the financial side should feel clear, not confusing.
Transparency matters. For surrogates, that means:
- A full breakdown of base pay, benefits and reimbursements
- A clear timeline of when and how you’ll be paid
- No vague language or surprise deductions
For intended parents, look for:
- A clear explanation of how agency fees are used
- Upfront pricing with no hidden administrative or legal costs
- Easy-to-follow breakdown of all financial responsibilities
If an agency avoids direct answers or gives you a runaround, that’s a red flag. You deserve honesty from the start.
Want to learn what fair compensation looks like? Explore Joy of Life’s surrogate compensation guide to see how we support and reward surrogates at every step.
2. Clear, Ongoing Communication From Real People
One of the clearest signs you’re in good hands is knowing someone will respond when you reach out. A great agency doesn’t leave you guessing about who to contact or what happens next. They stay in touch with clarity, consistency and a real human voice.
This means:
- You have a dedicated point of contact who is genuinely invested in your journey
- Emails and calls are returned promptly (no black hole inboxes)
- Updates don’t just happen when you chase them — they’re built into the process
Whether you’re a first-time surrogate with questions about screenings or an intended parent waiting for match updates, open communication builds trust and reduces stress.
At Joy of Life, every surrogate and intended parent works with a coordinator who’s there from day one, not a call center, not through an app, but a real person.
3. Legal and Medical Guidance You Can Trust
California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country, with clear laws that protect everyone involved. Still, the process includes a lot of moving parts, from screenings to legal contracts, and having the right guidance makes all the difference. A top agency ensures you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
Here’s what to look for:
- Access to legal professionals who specialize in surrogacy law
- Partnerships with reputable fertility clinics for screenings and embryo transfers
- Step-by-step guidance so nothing falls through the cracks
You shouldn’t have to Google your way through legal forms or wonder what your next appointment is for. A good agency makes the process feel organized, not overwhelming.
Joy of Life works closely with trusted attorneys and clinics across California to make sure every step is clear, safe and handled with care.
4. Experience Supporting All Kinds of Families
Every surrogacy journey is different, and so are the people involved. The best agencies understand this and know how to support a wide range of intended parents and surrogates, no matter their background, relationship status or where they live.
Look for signs of inclusivity and flexibility, like:
- Experience working with LGBTQ+ families, single parents and international clients
- Cultural sensitivity and language support
- A welcoming, judgment-free environment for everyone involved
The agency you choose should make you feel like you’re free to come as you are. At Joy of Life, we’ve had the honor of working with families from all over the world and from all walks of life.
5. Full-Service Support From Match to Delivery and Beyond
Matching a surrogate and intended parents is a major milestone, but it’s not the finish line. A truly supportive agency sticks with you long after the match is made, guiding both sides through the full journey, including screenings, pregnancy, delivery and beyond.
You’ll want an agency that offers:
- Help coordinating medical appointments, travel and documentation
- Emotional support when the process feels overwhelming
- Post-birth check-ins and a continued sense of community
Surrogacy is personal. You shouldn’t feel like you’re just moving through a system. That’s why at Joy of Life, we’re here from day one through delivery and often long after! Many of our surrogates and intended parents stay connected with us and each other for years.
6. A Clear and Ethical Screening + Matching Process
No one wants to feel like they’re being rushed through a system, especially when it comes to something as personal as surrogacy. A good agency takes the time to screen thoughtfully, match intentionally and explain every step along the way.
That includes:
- Thorough medical and psychological screenings for surrogates
- Careful review of intended parents’ goals, values and expectations
- A matching process that feels intentional, not random
When handled with care, the screening and matching process feels personal and empowering. The goal is to create a match that feels right for everyone involved, with transparency and mutual respect at every step.
At Joy of Life, we focus on thoughtful, mutual matches where both surrogates and intended parents feel aligned and supported from day one.
7. A Trusted Reputation and Real Community
When you’re choosing a surrogacy agency, what others have experienced can tell you a lot. Reviews, personal stories and returning families speak volumes. These aren’t just checkmarks; they’re proof that the agency builds lasting relationships rather than one-time transactions.
Look for signs like:
- Testimonials from both surrogates and intended parents
- Stories that feel specific and real
- A community that stays connected well beyond delivery
Trust is built when people feel cared for, respected and genuinely supported through every part of the journey. That kind of experience leads to real connections and a lasting sense of community.
At Joy of Life, many of our surrogates and intended parents refer others, return for sibling journeys or stay part of our extended family for years.
Ready to Start Your Surrogacy Journey? Here’s Where to Begin
Surrogacy is built on trust, care and a shared sense of purpose. The agency you choose shapes how informed, supported and connected you’ll feel throughout your experience.
If you’re considering taking that first step, we invite you to become a surrogate with Joy of Life or explore how to become a parent through surrogacy with the support of a team that’s here for you at every stage.
