28 Years of Helping California Families Through Surrogacy
California offers intended parents some of the strongest surrogacy protections in the country, with enforceable pre-birth orders, inclusive parentage laws and a well-established legal framework under Family Code sections 7960 through 7962. Surrogate Alternatives has operated at the center of California's surrogacy community since 1998 from its San Diego headquarters.
The team is made up of current and former surrogates, so the people guiding your journey understand the process from personal experience. Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates throughout the state and nationwide.
California's Legal Framework Protects Intended Parents from Day One
Intent-Based Parentage Under California Family Code
California recognizes gestational surrogacy under Family Code sections 7960 through 7962, which define the requirements for enforceable surrogacy agreements and anchor the pre-birth parentage order process. Intent-based parentage, established by the California Supreme Court in Johnson v. Calvert, means the intended parents are recognized as legal parents prior to birth, based on their intent to raise the child.
Pre-Birth Orders Start During the First Trimester
Reproductive law attorneys typically file for a pre-birth parentage order around 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Many California counties process these orders without requiring an in-person hearing. Once signed, the order directs the hospital to issue a birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child.
Open to All Intended Parents Regardless of Marital Status
The state does not require intended parents to be married, to have a genetic connection to the child or to meet residency requirements. These protections apply equally to LGBTQ+ couples, single intended parents and heterosexual couples. Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage contracts, pre-birth orders and parentage throughout the process.
How Intended Parents Work with Surrogate Alternatives in California
Meet the Team at Our San Diego Headquarters
Surrogate Alternatives is headquartered in San Diego, which means intended parents can meet with the team in person or connect by phone or video for a free, no-obligation consultation. An agency director walks them through the full surrogacy process and answers questions about medical, legal and financial requirements.
No Waiting List — Matching Starts Right Away
The surrogacy journey moves through four phases: consultation, matching, medical and legal coordination, then pregnancy and birth. There is no waiting list. Many intended parents begin reviewing potential matches within days, based on compatibility rather than location.
Every Dollar Protected Through Third-Party Escrow
All client funds are held in a 100% third-party escrow account through SeedTrust, and Surrogate Alternatives does not hold or control escrowed funds at any point.
Become a Surrogate in California and Help a Family Grow
Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified, caring women across California who want to give intended parents the family they have been hoping for. As a San Diego-based agency, Surrogate Alternatives offers local support that out-of-state agencies cannot match. The team includes current and former surrogates who guide every step of the journey with personal experience.
Who Qualifies
Surrogate Alternatives requires candidates to have at least one prior healthy pregnancy and delivery. Candidates must maintain a healthy lifestyle, be free from illegal substances and tobacco, be financially stable, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. After matching, surrogates complete a psychological evaluation and medical screening.
What Surrogates Earn
Surrogate Alternatives offers competitive base compensation, with experienced surrogates eligible for higher rates. Additional compensation is provided for a twin pregnancy, and surrogates receive a monthly non-accountable expense allowance and a maternity clothing allowance. All compensation is managed through third-party escrow.
How Surrogates Are Supported
Surrogate Alternatives provides a Pregnancy Wellness Program that includes dietary and nutritional counseling, acupuncture, massage and prenatal vitamins. Surrogate Alternatives was the first surrogacy agency to offer a wellness package. Surrogates also have access to an online support group, mentorship from experienced surrogates and annual retreats. A 24/7 emergency line is available to reach management throughout the journey.
