The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Remedial) Order 2018 came into force last week and allows single parents who have had a child born through surrogacy to apply for a Parental Order in the UK.
What does this mean?
This means that the single parent can be recognised as their child’s legal parent and will extinguish any rights and responsibilities the surrogate had.
Single parents who have had a child born through surrogacy before the law changed may have felt in limbo in terms of their parental status however, this change brings good news for those parents. It is also a positive step forward for those single parents who have not as yet been able to find a surrogate due to the legal difficulties and uncertainties involved with surrogacy.
If you are a single parent who has already had a child born through surrogacy it is important to make your application for a Parental Order within the next six months as after July 2019 the process is likely to become complex.
if you would like more information on surrogacy or any aspect of Family Law please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly family law team to arrange a free 30 minute consultation. Call us free on 08000 147720, send us an email or text LAW to 67777 to book a free information session at any of our offices. We also offer early morning and late evening appointments across our offices.