Personal / Family solicitors

Expert surrogacy lawyers for you.

Understand the legal complexities of surrogacy which often involves navigating intricate legal challenges in a dynamic and evolving field.

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02070 928528
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Expert surrogacy lawyers for surrogates and those wanting to grow their families.

Whether you are a surrogate or the intended parents, we understand what family means to you.

When it comes to growing a family through surrogacy arrangements, it can be a complex legal and emotional process. This is where our specialised legal services make a profound difference. Together, we will ensure your aspirations are fulfilled with the highest level of professionalism, care, and understanding.

We have played a pivotal role in a landmark case that has shaped the legal landscape. Our expertise is tailored to support you efficiently and effectively, ensuring that your journey to parenthood is as smooth and stress-free as possible. We offer an in-depth understanding of the legal landscape surrounding surrogacy, providing you with clear guidance and representation.

Our specialism encompasses several critical areas:

  • Legal Advice and Consultation: We provide comprehensive advice on all legal aspects of surrogacy arrangements.
  • Parental Orders: We assist in obtaining parental orders, ensuring that your legal rights as parents are recognised and upheld swiftly.
  • Dispute Resolution: Should any disputes arise, our experienced team is equipped to handle them with sensitivity and professionalism.

Whether you wish to explore the diverse pathways to parenthood or address legal issues arising from your family’s unique circumstances, our commitment is unwavering. We guide you through the complexities with precision, aiming to achieve the very best outcomes for you.

As recognised leaders in the field of Children Law, we are proud to hold top-tier rankings in renowned directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Our dedication to excellence ensures that you receive expert guidance and support throughout your journey.

Take the first step towards securing your family’s future with confidence. Contact us today and benefit from our unparalleled expertise and commitment to your success.

Talk to our surrogacy expert today

02070 928528
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Our Surrogacy Credentials

We work on landmark surrogacy cases.

Represented the Respondents in the first reported decision to consider the matter of consent in a surrogacy arrangement pursuant to s54(6) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008.

This was an unprecedented case addressing the issue of consent and legal parentage of a child born from a traditional surrogacy arrangement. The Intended Parents were a same-sex male married couple. In August 2021, the court granted a parental order in their favour along with a contact order detailing the time arrangements between the surrogate and the child. Shortly after the conclusion of those proceedings, contact broke down, leading the fathers to apply to vary or discharge the contact order. The Surrogate appealed the Parental Order on the grounds that her consent had been conditional on the contact arrangements. The appeal was successful, highlighting the legal requirement that a surrogate (and her spouse or civil partner, if applicable) must give their consent freely and unconditionally for a parental order to be made. The court cannot overlook this requirement if the consent is not provided without conditions.

 

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‘Kim Lehal is outstandingly brilliant. She has an ability to settle anxious clients and explain complex legal matters in an understandable way.’

Legal 500

'Kim Lehal is committed to ensuring her clients’ interests are her priority and are considered by all. She is a great communicator who gives clear cut advice and gets involved in all key stages of cases‘.

Legal 500

‘Kim Lehal is particularly recommended for her work in international child abduction proceedings.’

Legal 500

Speak to Kim Lehal

Kim is a highly regarded specialist in matters related to international children, surrogacy, and family law.

Kim Lehal RWK Goodman
Kim Lehal
Partner | Head of International Children
T: 02070 928528 (DDI)
Email
Our services

Other family law services

International divorce & financial disputes
In the event of a relationship breakdown, complications may arise due to the differences in family law between two or more countries. Those issues may involve cross jurisdictional divorces, financial settlements, and the international movement of children.
Separation and divorce solicitors
Whether you are going through a separation or divorce we recognise that this will be exceptionally stressful at any stage of your life. There are options available to suit all budgets and we can talk you through any options or concerns.
International child abduction & children disputes
The international movement of children in the event of relationship breakdown can result in several issues arising which our experts at RWK Goodman can advise on.
Children Disputes
There is no negotiation more difficult than those surrounding children. We can help separating parents put their children’s needs first, achieving the best result for you and your children, quickly and sensitively.
Domestic abuse solicitors
If you find yourself in an abusive relationship it can be extremely hard to find a way out. If you or a member of your family are a victim of domestic abuse it is important that you contact our team today.
Injunctions and emergency remedies
On some occasions the best way to protect yourself or your loved ones against unwanted access to your information or finances is to apply for an injunction. Our team are well placed to issue court proceedings in an emergency.
Pre and post-nuptial agreements
No one goes into a marriage thinking that it won’t work out, but unfortunately it’s the sad reality that more than one in three marriages end in divorce. A prenuptial agreement can be a simple but effective way to safeguard your interests should your marriage breakdown.
Family Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Collaborative Law and Mediation
Our mediation and family dispute resolution services can help you and your partner come to a joint decision about the best solution for your family in relation to your children and/or finances on separation, divorce or dissolution of your civil partnership.
Family lawyers - RWK Goodman
Family law experts

Complexities in family law - thinking outside the box

Is it time that we all started thinking outside the box?

How can families in need of support continue to seek resolutions when so much is changing around them? Is it time that we all started thinking outside the box?

Think outside the box
Legal insights

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Surrogacy has become an increasingly popular way for individuals and couples to grow their families, but it is also a complex legal and emotional process. Whether you’re considering surrogacy as Intended Parents or as a Surrogate, understanding the legal, ethical, and practical aspects is essential.
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RWK Goodman is proud to announce that Kim Lehal, Partner and Head of our International Children team, has been invited to participate in the "Forum on Domestic Violence and the Operation of Article 13(1)(b) of the 1980 Child Abduction Convention” which will take place from June 18-21, 2024, at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika in Sandton, South Africa.
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