About Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast
Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast is a must-listen for individuals and couples navigating the legal complexities of surrogacy, egg donation, and embryo donation. Hosted by experienced surrogacy attorney Melissa Torto, the podcast provides expert insights and practical advice to help intended parents, surrogates, and donors understand the legal landscape of family building. With a focus on clarity and compassion, the show aims to demystify the surrogacy process, offering listeners the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Whether you're just starting your surrogacy journey or seeking legal guidance, Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast is your trusted resource for all things related to assisted reproduction law.
Pre-Birth Orders Explained: How Intended Parents Establish Legal Parenthood
In this episode of Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast host Leann Lyon is joined by Massachusetts surrogacy attorney Melissa Torto to delve into the intricacies of pre-birth orders in surrogacy arrangements. Melissa explains the purpose and process of obtaining a pre-birth order, which legally establishes the intended parents as the child’s parents before birth.
The discussion covers the timing of these orders within the surrogacy timeline, the legal requirements in Massachusetts, and how these orders differ across states. Melissa also highlights the importance of having a compliant surrogacy contract and addresses potential complications, such as what happens if a baby arrives earlier than expected. The episode offers valuable insights for intended parents navigating the legal landscape of surrogacy, ensuring they are well-prepared for the birth of their child.
22 Sept 2026
Interstate Surrogacy: What Happens When Everyone Lives in Different States
In this episode of Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast, Massachusetts surrogacy attorney Melissa Torto joins host Sean O’Connor to explore the complexities of interstate surrogacy arrangements. They discuss the challenges intended parents face when working with surrogates across state lines, emphasizing the importance of legal compatibility over geographic proximity. Melissa explains the intricacies of surrogacy contracts, parentage orders, and the legal frameworks that vary from state to state. The conversation also touches on the role of international surrogacy and the legal hurdles it presents. Listeners gain valuable insights into how surrogacy laws differ across jurisdictions and the critical steps needed to ensure a legally sound surrogacy journey. This episode is essential for anyone considering surrogacy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape and the reassurance that experienced professionals can guide them through the process.
25 Aug 2026
What Intended Parents Can and Cannot Control in a Surrogacy Agreement
In this episode of Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast, host Melissa Torto, a Massachusetts surrogacy and assisted reproduction attorney, is joined by Sean O’Connor to delve into the complexities of control within surrogacy arrangements. They discuss common misconceptions intended parents have about decision-making during the surrogacy process and outline what decisions ultimately rest with the surrogate. Melissa provides insights into the importance of clear expectations and communication between intended parents and surrogates, emphasizing the role of legal agreements in setting these parameters. The episode also explores the significance of compatibility and trust in ensuring a smooth surrogacy journey. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the legal and emotional intricacies involved, helping them approach the process with realistic expectations and informed perspectives.
28 Jul 2026
What Is a Gestational Carrier Agreement and Why It Matters
In this episode of Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast, host Shameika Rhymes welcomes Melissa Torto, a Massachusetts surrogacy and assisted reproduction attorney, to discuss the intricacies of gestational carrier agreements. Melissa explains where these agreements fit into the surrogacy timeline and highlights their primary goals for both intended parents and surrogates. The conversation covers critical topics such as termination of pregnancy, lifestyle restrictions, and vaccination preferences, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and well-drafted contracts.
Melissa shares insights on the potential risks of moving forward with unclear expectations and how a strong agreement can prevent confusion and facilitate smoother surrogacy journeys. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the legal aspects of surrogacy and the importance of aligning expectations to ensure a successful partnership between intended parents and surrogates.
30 Jun 2026
Understanding Surrogacy: How the Process Actually Works from Start to Finish
In this episode of Building Families: The Surrogacy Law Podcast, host Shameika Rhymes sits down with Massachusetts surrogacy attorney Melissa Torto to explore the intricacies of the surrogacy process. Melissa shares her journey from aspiring litigator to passionate advocate for families navigating surrogacy, egg donation, and embryo donation. The discussion covers critical aspects such as choosing between independent surrogacy and agency assistance, the importance of communication among intended parents, surrogates, clinics, and attorneys, and the nuances of surrogacy agreements. Melissa emphasizes the significance of trust and partnership in the surrogacy journey, highlighting the need for clear expectations and open dialogue. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone considering surrogacy, offering guidance on legal steps, relationship building, and managing the emotional complexities involved.
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