In this eye-opening episode of The Surrogate’s Corner, surrogacy attorney James Mahan discusses one of the most important parts of the surrogacy journey—finding the right match. James breaks down the personal and legal considerations every surrogate should think about before signing a contract, how to spot red flags early, and the critical role agencies and attorneys play in protecting gestational carriers (GCs). Whether you're a first-time surrogate or a returning GC, this episode provides empowering legal insights and real-world guidance for ensuring a healthy, successful match.

Key Timestamps:

00:30 – Why choosing the right match is critical

01:00 – Legal and personal factors surrogates should consider

01:50 – Local vs. long-distance and international intended parents

02:30 – Language barriers and communication expectations

03:00 – Early red flags to watch for during matching

03:45 – Setting boundaries with communication and control

05:00 – The role of contracts in protecting surrogates

06:10 – What to do when the match feels wrong

07:00 – Interviewing intended parents: Why surrogates have the power

08:00 – The pressure to settle: How timing impacts decision-making

09:00 – The agency’s role in ethical and compatible matches

10:00 – Legal questions to ask early in the process

11:00 – Avoiding inflexible or controlling contracts

12:00 – Navigating high-conflict or rushed matches

13:00 – Real conflict stories and lessons learned

14:00 – The importance of early communication and disclosure

15:00 – How attorneys advocate for first-time GCs

17:00 – When to involve the agency or legal counsel for support

18:00 – Using support groups and other surrogate communities

About the Show: