Fertility Lawyers
Expert Fertility Solicitors
Fertility law is a rapidly developing area as more individuals and couples explore alternative routes to parenthood. A fertility lawyer can provide essential legal support in cases involving donor sperm or eggs, frozen embryos, and co-parenting arrangements.
“The family law team at Osbornes is one of the strongest in London; across all areas of work from international cases, financial and children work, Osbornes is a market leader.”
“Osbornes is a power house of a family firm. They are robust but realistic and client focused.”
Building a family through less conventional methods can be both rewarding and challenging. Fertility law is detailed in the UK, and rightly so, as clear rules are there to protect both your medical experience and future parental rights. Regulations affect everything from who is legally recognised as a parent, to what happens if there is a dispute over embryos, to the process of using a donor or a surrogate.
The fertility team at Osbornes advise on every part of fertility law in England and Wales. We act for birth parents and co-parents seeking IVF, those involved in surrogacy, and anyone considering donor conception.
Our award-winning fertility law unit, led by specialist Naomi Angell, ensures your rights are protected throughout your journey to parenthood. We can support you from the very start, or step in if things become complicated, answering questions such as:
- What legal rights will each party have on the birth of a baby?
- How do the intended parents secure parental responsibility?
- What happens in the event of a relationship breakdown, a partner’s death, or if someone changes their mind?
- Can we use embryos posthumously?
- What if there is a dispute over a child’s parentage?
- What are the complications around unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ families or platonic parental relationships?
Our comprehensive fertility law services
Assisted reproduction and IVF legal support
Assisted reproduction is the process of getting pregnant through medical treatment, not sexual intercourse. The main types of assisted reproduction include:
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Donor insemination
- Egg and embryo donation
In the UK, clinics offering these treatments must be licensed and regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The HFEA sets the standards clinics have to meet, and also provides clear guidance for anyone using or considering these options.
Each method comes with its own legal requirements, particularly around who will be recorded as a parent. Consent forms must be completed before treatment begins. Completing these forms correctly should ensure that legal parenthood automatically passes to the intended parents, but it’s not uncommon for paperwork errors to cause legal uncertainty.
Our team advises on all legal aspects of IVF and assisted reproduction. We check that all paperwork is in order, explain the legal implications of each choice, and help make sure your rights—and those of your future child—are protected.
For those using donated eggs or sperm, we advise on what extra steps are needed to record legal parenthood, especially for unmarried or same-sex couples.
Surrogacy arrangements
Surrogacy is legal in the UK but heavily restricted. Paying a surrogate more than reasonable expenses is not allowed, and it is against the law for solicitors to draw up or negotiate a surrogacy contract. Arrangements rely mainly on trust between the surrogate and the new parents.
There are two types of surrogacy:
- Gestational (or host) surrogacy – where donor eggs are used, so the surrogate is not the genetic mother.
- Traditional surrogacy – the surrogate uses her own egg, so she is both the birth and genetic mother.
Under UK law, the woman who gives birth is treated as the legal mother, even if the baby is not biologically hers. If the surrogate is married, her husband/ wife or civil partner will be treated as the child’s second parent in most circumstances.
This position can leave the intended parents vulnerable. Therefore, it is important to understand the process of obtaining a Parental Order, which transfers parental responsibility and legal recognition to the new parents.
Our team can help you obtain a Parental Order. There are strict rules to follow, including obtaining the surrogate’s consent and proving that your arrangement was not a commercial one.
There are also practicalities to consider, such as arrangements during the pregnancy and birth. Our legal team can help make sure you’ve thought of everything before you begin.
Donor conception
Donor conception means having a child using sperm, eggs or embryos donated by someone who is not one of the intended parents. The term covers self-insemination as well as clinic-led fertility treatment such as IVF. It can also include surrogacy when gametes are donated.
Fertility law in the UK ensures a donor has no legal parental rights for the child if the treatment is done through a UK-licensed clinic and licensed sperm provider. They will not be named on the birth certificate, or hold any legal parentage or parental responsibility for the child.
These important protections are lost if the treatment is not done through a registered clinic, and the donor may be considered a parent by law.
Our specialist solicitors can discuss these critical differences with you and give advice.
Adoption related to fertility treatments
Sometimes, fertility treatments create complex family structures that are best formalised through adoption. For example, adoption may be necessary:
- In surrogacy arrangements where the parents do not meet the requirements for a Parental Order.
- If the fertility treatment or surrogacy happened overseas.
- Where a non-biological parent wishes to secure full legal parenthood of a child conceived through donor conception, especially in blended or same-sex families.
- If a court decides that adoption is the most appropriate route to protect the welfare of the child.
Our specialist team can provide seamless support where you need those additional legal steps to secure family relationships.
Why choose Osbornes Law?
Recognised legal expertise
Led by top fertility specialist Naomi Angell, our lawyers are recognised as a leading team in fertility law, with particular expertise in complex international cases. We have represented parties in landmark cases which led to important HFEA policy reviews.
Comprehensive experience across all fertility law areas
Our broad expertise covers every aspect of fertility law, from routine IVF consent advice to complex international surrogacy disputes. Fertility treatment often demands a long-term holistic view, taking into account not only legal parenthood but also future family arrangements and inheritance issues. We break all the considerations down into next steps you will feel empowered to undertake.
Sensitive and understanding
We recognise that fertility treatment often follows years of disappointment and represents your hopes for the future. Our approach combines legal excellence with genuine empathy, ensuring you feel supported throughout the challenging journey. We are proud to be rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot. Read our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.
Fertility FAQs
What is fertility law?
Fertility law is the area family law that deals with legal parenthood, rights, and responsibilities in cases involving assisted conception, such as IVF, surrogacy and sperm/egg donation. It covers both the legal status of the child and the agreements between intended parents and third parties involved in conception.
Who is the legal parent after fertility treatment?
Legal parenthood after fertility treatment depends on several factors including:
Your marital status The type of treatment Consent forms Whether donor gametes are usedThe woman who gives birth is always the legal mother. A Parental Order may be required to transfer legal parenthood to the intended parents.
How does fertility law protect parents’ rights?
Fertility law sets out clear rules about who is recognised as a legal parent, as well as the steps that need to be taken when navigating non-conventional reproductive methods. These laws are designed to ensure that only those who have given proper, written consent before treatment are legally recognised as parents, and the best interests of the child are maintained.
The law itself is complicated, and having clear agreements in place is the safest course of action. Talk to us about the steps you need to take.
When should you consult a fertility lawyer?
It’s best to seek legal advice before treatment begins, especially in surrogacy or donor situations. This ensures you fully understand your legal position and can put the right agreements in place from the start.
What does a fertility lawyer advise on?
Our fertility solicitors can help you:
Explore your available routes to parenthood Secure legal parenthood through Parental Orders or adoption Understand your rights and obligations Resolve disputes regarding consent, legal parenthood, parental responsibility, surrogacy and child arrangements.Speak to a Fertility Lawyer Today
Call us 020 7485 8811
Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you
Maria takes a child-focused approach to cases. She is good at grasping how a child might feel in a situation and this makes her stand out as excellent in her field.
Jonathan is thorough, intelligent, hard-working and committed. He knows the law very well and is committed to the rights of children.
Bridget has a phenomenal reputation, is a very good lawyer and one of the stars in children work.
Osbornes offers a high level of client care and manages client expectations realistically.
They have a strong team, are heavyweights in this space and are very well respected in the courts.
Simone McGrath is an excellent international children lawyer.
I have found the team at Osbornes works very well together to diligently produce a quality end result. Client service has been excellent and I feel like I am in safe hands.
I consider them a go-to for conciliatory work on the children side.
Osbornes is a power house of a family firm. They are robust but realistic and client focused.
Osbornes has lawyers with excellent experience.
Bridget Thompson handles child inclusive mediations.
Lisa pepper heads the Mediation team and she is often mediating for high-net-worth individuals in both financial and private children matters.
Simone McGrath has an incredible knowledge of international cases. She has been involved in many leading cases and is a go-to lawyer in the field.
Maria Kitsiou heads up the domestic children offering.
Lauren Hall leads the international children team.
The firm’s alternative parenting team is headed up by Naomi Angell, handling domestic and international adoption, surrogacy, and fertility issues.
Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and fighter who will get the job done on both complex financial matters and international children cases.
A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.
The team is experienced in handling matters where there are allegations of abuse and non-accidental injury, as well as situations where children's welfare is at risk due to parents' substance misuse or mental health issues.
The lawyers at Osbornes are very well established and have a lot of experience between them, which gives them a lot of confidence and a willingness to think out of the box.
Their client care is really impressive and they have such breadth of experience
In a long standing issue with my ex and our child, Lisa and her team have always given me advice that has been first class. Lisa has a deep knowledge of how the courts work and which arguments will work and which will not and will advice exactly what to do and when.
My solicitor Jon Jonas came across as a genuine, very skilled solicitor who demonstrated great insights and experience in complex child arrangement cases. He has been able to create and implement an effective strategy to deal with extremely toxic matters.
"Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board."
Naomi Angell has considerable strength in adoption, surrogacy and fertility issues
Bridget Thompson is a public law specialist noted for her extensive children public law practice.
"She has an encyclopaedic knowledge and an in-depth understanding of this work. She's extremely empathetic and can put herself in the client's shoes. She's also very strategic and is good at pre-empting litigation."
"David Leadercrammer is such an experienced wonderful lawyer who you would want on the other side of your case. He’s sensible, pragmatic and hugely experienced in money and children cases."
Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work and an excellent skill set.
Osbornes have high-end partners doing high-end work. They are very impressive.
They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.
Osbornes have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level.
He is very hard-working, diligent and thoughtful in his approach. He is on top of the detail and makes strategic decisions.
He commits himself to getting the best results.
He’s a really tough litigator that you certainly want on your side. He will defend his clients to the hilt.
Mark is an immensely capable lawyer, with vast experience and a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best for his clients.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
She’s an extremely supportive and kind lawyer and has an increasing mediation profile too
Simone McGrath – Exceptional knowledge of international children matters, particularly 1980 Hague Convention cases. Fights hard for her clients.
Andrew secured me the best financial settlement for my claim. He is a credit to Osbornes Solicitors.
"It has a strong and experienced team of solicitors who don’t take bad points, work sensibly to get a settlement and who you can always pick up the phone and speak to. They are good lawyers and know the strengths and weaknesses of their clients’ cases. They don’t posture and always pursue their clients cases appropriately. "
"Mark Freedman is a very capable lawyer, renowned for not being a pushover and pushing his clients’ cases as much as he can, but will always talk sensibly about settlement. He is among the best – tenacious, good judgment and tactically aware."
"Mark Freedman is a dynamic and highly experienced family lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients and is always in their corner, thus ensuring their loyalty and confidence. In a trial you would always want him on your side."
"Bridget Thompson combines her excellent legal knowledge with a clear, succinct and robust style of advice and advocacy. Her approach clearly inspires a high degree of client confidence in her"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
"He is really experienced and wise. He has a lovely manner about him and clients feel safe with him."
"She is excellent. She's very reliable, talks about her cases passionately and is very committed to her clients."
"I consider the firm to be very experienced in child care cases and to provide a very professional and high standard of work"
"Jo Wescott is top notch and widely recognised as a rising star throughout the profession. She brings a winning combination of great judgement, an immense work ethic, and a relaxed and charming way with opponents and clients alike. Someone you want on your side”
"Osbornes is pre-eminent for family law in North London. Mark Freedman is a real rainmaker. He is an excellent lawyer and has a top-notch practice"
Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases.
"Exceptional value for money. Highly competent and reasonably priced. Mark Freedman: one of the best in the field."
"Client-focused. Ready to fight the clients’ corner, but also ready where possible to steer client from unnecessary dispute. Mark Freedman – very experienced, with good instinct for the eventual result. Clients love him and he thinks ahead and directs the client to the best result for the client."
Mark Freedman is a serious player. A fearless family law litigator, who protects his clients’ interests passionately.
Breadth of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile is what makes it stand out. Mark Freedman – devoted to his clients
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues. Sources praise the "tenacity and common sense" he brings to challenging disputes.
"Mark is very experienced, competent, good with clients and takes a sensible approach to cases. He knows exactly what he's doing."
Bridget Thompson is a public law specialist noted for her extensive practice in matters involving alternative families and adoption. An interviewee observes: "She's a fighter, she's clever, and she understands all aspects of a case."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Mark Freedman is a real heavyweight litigator who has dealt with some very significant cases."
"Mark Freedman boxes clever, keeps his powder dry and when it comes to the end game he negotiates a really good deal."
"Mark Freedman has a specific focus on high-net-worth divorces and finance cases where there are overseas assets and trusts."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Well-regarded family practice assisting clients with substantial matrimonial disputes and sensitive children proceedings."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
"He never gives up. He fights for you to the end and has boundless energy."
"Simone is absolutely on top of the game. She has great attention to detail, and has her clients' needs at heart."
"Bridget is client-focused, a pleasure to work with and incredibly supportive to her clients."
"Recognised for its expertise in both domestic and international adoption, as well as assisted conception."
"Naomi Angell is a leading figure in domestic and inter-country adoptions, and also has expert knowledge of related fertility and surrogacy issues."
Bridget Thompson heads the family team, where client care is the top priority.
Mark Freedman advises high-net-worth clients and knows his stuff.
Highly regarded for his experience as a litigation and mediation expertise, Mark Freedman is tenacious and determined. Clients really feel that he is fighting their corner.
Simone McGrath is a highly knowledgeable practitioner with a focus on international child abduction matters. She has a large expertise in public and private law.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
They have a really good, strong team, with the junior elements punching well above their weight. It doesn't matter who you talk to; they are all switched on."
Simone McGrath handles international child abduction cases and challenging care proceedings relating to non-accidental injuries.
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
This team is perhaps best known for its children work, often involving complex international dynamics.
Naomi Angell leads the market in cross-border children law matters. Sources confirm that she is "at the cutting edge of changing law and policy" when it comes to international adoption
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