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.
Green flag: An agency answers financial questions directly, provides written breakdowns and encourages you to review everything before moving forward.
Red flag: If an agency avoids giving specific numbers, changes answers over time or pressures you to commit before fully explaining costs or compensation, that’s a sign to slow down or walk away.
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.
Green flag: You always know who to contact, and your questions are answered in a timely, respectful way by someone who knows your story.
Red flag: If you’re constantly waiting for updates, getting passed between departments or feel like just a number, the agency may not offer the personal support you deserve.
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
Surrogacy laws and medical standards vary across the United States, which makes expert guidance essential. The process includes many moving parts, from screenings to legal contracts, and the right agency will ensure that you understand your responsibilities and rights at every stage.
A trusted agency will ensure you feel informed, supported and confident as you progress through the journey.
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.
Green flag: The agency connects you with experienced legal and medical professionals, provides step-by-step support and keeps you informed at every stage.
Red flag: If the agency expects you to coordinate appointments on your own, offers vague legal explanations or partners with unfamiliar providers, proceed with caution.
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.
Green flag: The agency demonstrates experience with diverse families and surrogates, offers inclusive language and creates a safe space for everyone.
Red flag: If the agency seems to favor only one type of family structure or avoids questions about diversity, it may not offer the support every journey deserves.
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.
Green flag: The agency provides support throughout the entire process, from matching and pregnancy to post-birth follow-up, and offers comprehensive, genuine human support.
Red flag: If support stops after the match, or you’re left on your own once medical steps begin, the agency may not be truly committed to your entire journey.
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.
Green flag: The agency explains the screening and matching steps clearly, takes time to get to know you and prioritizes fit over speed.
Red flag: If you’re matched quickly without much input, aren’t given time to review or ask questions, or feel like you’re being pushed through a system, that’s a warning sign.
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.
Green flag: The agency has authentic testimonials, returning clients and a visible community that shares real experiences, not just marketing claims.
Red flag: If reviews feel overly vague or curated, there’s little online presence or past clients don’t speak publicly about their experiences, it could be a sign of limited trust or connection.
Ready to Choose the Best Surrogacy Agency for You?
Choosing the best surrogacy agency for you means choosing an agency that can provide reliable support, open communication, and a commitment to your well-being. Every part of the experience should feel thoughtful, organized and respectful of your role in the journey.
As you explore how to choose a surrogacy agency, look for signs of transparency, care and genuine human compassion and connection. These qualities will help create a safer and more empowering path for surrogates and intended parents alike.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to apply to become a surrogate or intended parent with Joy of Life. Our team is here to guide you with care, clarity, and ongoing support at every stage of the journey.
