You’ve decided to grow your family through surrogacy — but where do you start?
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Between legal requirements, medical decisions and finding the right surrogate, the process comes with a lot of moving parts. The good news? In California, you have more resources, protections and support than anywhere else in the country.
This guide walks you through your main options for finding a surrogate, what to expect at each stage and how to choose the right partners to make your journey as smooth and joyful as possible. Whether you’re still exploring or ready to take action, you’ll find clear, practical answers here.
Why Is California The Best Place To Find a Surrogate?
California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S., offering a combination of legal protection, advanced medical resources and experienced professionals. These advantages make the process more predictable and accessible for intended parents from all backgrounds.
1. Supportive Legal Framework
California law explicitly allows both gestational and traditional surrogacy arrangements for married couples, unmarried couples and single individuals. Under California Family Code § 7960, agreements are recognized and enforceable, giving all parties clear rights and protections.
2. Access to Leading Medical Experts
The state is home to some of the top fertility specialists and IVF clinics in the country. With cutting-edge embryology practices and a strong track record of successful outcomes, California offers high-quality care from the earliest stages of the journey.
3. Inclusive for All Families
Whether you are a same-sex couple, a heterosexual couple or an individual pursuing parenthood on your own, California’s laws and professional community are designed to support diverse family structures without added legal barriers.
Your Two Paths: Agency vs Independent Search
When it comes to finding a surrogate in California, you have two options: working with a surrogacy agency or finding a surrogate on your own. Each path has its own benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on your priorities, timeline and comfort level with managing details.
An independent search means you’ll be responsible for everything from finding and screening potential surrogates to coordinating legal, medical and financial arrangements. Some intended parents choose this route to save on agency fees or to have more direct control. However, it can be time-consuming, emotionally taxing and legally complex.
Working with a surrogacy agency means having a dedicated team handle the most challenging parts of the process for you. Agencies bring experience, networks and proven systems to help you find the right surrogate and navigate each step with confidence.
Agency vs Independent: Which Surrogacy Path Fits You?
| Agency Route | Independent Route | |
| Choose from a pool of surrogates who’ve been vetted for medical, legal and psychological readiness | Surrogate Matching |
You’re responsible for finding candidates and arranging all screenings |
| The agency works with attorneys, fertility clinics and specialists on your behalf | Medical & Legal |
You’ll manage contracts, legal filings and clinic schedules yourself |
| Access to counseling for both you and your surrogate throughout the journey | Emotional Support |
You choose and hire counselors or mediators as needed |
| Background checks, financial stability verification and health history reviews | Risk Management |
Without formal checks, there’s a greater chance of legal disputes or failed matches |
| Step-by-step plan with established milestones, guided by experienced professionals | Process & Timeline |
Timelines vary, and delays are common without established procedures |
| Higher upfront cost to cover agency services, expertise and administration | Cost | Monetary costs are reduced with no agency fees, but you take on the work, responsibility and risk |
How Long Does It Take To Find a Surrogate in California?
The timeline for finding a surrogate can vary widely depending on your circumstances, preferences and whether you work with an agency. While no two journeys are identical, here’s what a typical process looks like in California.
1. Choosing Your Agency or Approach
Timeframe: A few days to several months
Finding the right fit is worth the time. If you work with an agency, you’ll likely start with consultations and paperwork. If you search independently, you may spend more time networking, advertising or reviewing applications.
2. Creating a Surrogacy Plan
Timeframe: 2–6 weeks
This step includes identifying your priorities, discussing medical and legal needs and completing any necessary background forms. With an agency, this is often guided by a coordinator. Independently, you’ll set your own pace.
3. Matching with a Surrogate
Timeframe: 3–12+ months
Matching depends on surrogate availability, your criteria and the screening process. Agencies typically have pre-screened candidates ready, while independent searches may require more outreach.
Learn more about the surrogacy matching process →
4. Legal Agreements
Timeframe: 4–8 weeks
California law requires a written surrogacy agreement before medical procedures begin. Attorneys draft and review these contracts to protect all parties.
Learn more about surrogacy contracts →
5. Medical Procedures
Timeframe: Varies
Once legal agreements are complete, the medical phase begins, often starting with an IVF cycle. Timing depends on both the clinic’s schedule and the surrogate’s readiness.
Average Total Timeline
- With an agency: 6–18 months from initial consultation to pregnancy
- Independently: 9–24+ months depending on resources, availability and coordination
Why Most Intended Parents Choose an Agency
While it’s possible to manage the process yourself, most intended parents choose an agency because it reduces stress, minimizes risk and increases the likelihood of a smooth experience. Here’s why:
- Expert Matching – Agencies have established relationships and extensive databases to match you with qualified surrogates who meet your preferences and pass thorough screenings.
- Legal and Medical Coordination – Agencies work directly with specialized attorneys, fertility clinics and other professionals, so you don’t have to juggle multiple contacts.
- Risk Management – Background checks, medical evaluations and psychological screenings are handled for you.
- Ongoing Support – From your first consultation to delivery day, agencies offer guidance, counseling and emotional support.
- Streamlined Process – A clear, proven process helps you avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Bottom line: while the upfront cost may be higher, choosing an agency helps ensure that everyone involved is protected, informed and supported from day one.
Ready to take the first step? Apply now to become an intended parent with Joy of Life®.
How to Choose the Right California Surrogacy Agency
Not all surrogacy agencies in California operate the same way. Choosing the right partner can make the difference between a smooth, supported journey and one filled with delays or unnecessary stress. The best agency for you will align with your values, communicate clearly and have a proven track record of successful matches.
Key Factors To Consider
- Accreditation and Licensing – Verify that the agency meets all legal requirements to operate in California and follows industry best practices.
- Experience and Track Record – Ask how many matches they’ve completed and how many resulted in successful births.
- Transparency and Communication – Look for an agency that provides clear timelines, costs and process details from the start.
- Support for All Parties – Ensure they offer counseling, conflict resolution and resources for both intended parents and surrogates.
- Personalized Matching – The best agencies take time to understand your needs, values and preferences before introducing potential surrogates.
- Reviews and Testimonials – Seek out firsthand accounts from other intended parents to understand the agency’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Questions To Ask Your Surrogacy Agency Before You Commit
- How do you screen surrogates for medical, emotional and legal readiness?
- What’s your average timeline from application to match?
- How do you handle unexpected challenges or disputes during the process?
- Who will be my main point of contact, and how often will I receive updates?
- What is included in your fees, and what costs should I budget for separately?
Tip: Take notes during each agency consultation so you can compare answers side-by-side before making your decision. A little extra diligence at the start can save time, money and stress later on.
Read more tips on choosing the best surrogacy agency in California →
Looking for a Surrogacy Agency in California? Partner With Joy of Life Today
Your surrogacy journey should feel supported, informed and filled with moments of excitement, not uncertainty. At Joy of Life®, we’ve helped intended parents from all walks of life navigate the process with confidence, compassion and clarity.
From your very first conversation, you’ll have a dedicated team guiding you through each step, from matching with a qualified surrogate to managing legal and medical details. Our approach is personal, transparent and centered on creating the right match for your unique situation.
Ready to take the first step? Apply now to become an intended parent with Joy of Life®.
Not quite ready to apply? Reach out to us with your questions, and our team will gladly walk you through the details.
Top FAQs About Finding a Surrogate in California
1. How much does surrogacy cost in California?
Surrogacy costs in California typically range from $120,000 to $200,000+, depending on factors like agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal work, IVF procedures and medical expenses. Costs can vary widely based on your circumstances and whether you work with an agency or independently.
See our full surrogacy cost breakdown for intended parents→
2. Can a surrogate keep the baby in California?
If the surrogacy is completed under a valid, legally binding agreement that complies with California Family Code § 7960 and is signed before any medical procedures begin, the surrogate cannot keep the baby.
These agreements establish the intended parents as the legal parents from the outset, ensuring parental rights are clear and protected. Without such an agreement in place, legal disputes could arise — one of the key reasons working with experienced professionals is recommended.
3. What are the requirements to become a surrogate mother in California?
Requirements can vary slightly by agency, but at Joy of Life, surrogates must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living outside Louisiana and Nebraska (these states prohibit surrogacy)
- Be female, between 21 and 38 years old
- Have a good pregnancy history
- Have a body mass index (BMI) under 30
- Lead a healthy and stable lifestyle
These requirements help ensure the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby.
