Home<\/a> \/<\/span> FAQ<\/p>\n<\/div>Frequently asked questions<\/h6><\/div>Answers to the questions clients ask most.<\/h1><\/div>Karen has collected the most common questions from consultations across her practice areas. Explore by topic below, or contact her directly for a free, 30-minute consultation to discuss your unique family formation needs. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\u2014 Browse by topic<\/p>\n\nGeneral Questions<\/a><\/li>\nAdoption<\/a><\/li>\nGestational Surrogacy<\/a><\/li>\nEgg, Sperm & Embryo Donation<\/a><\/li>\nLGBTQ+ Family Building<\/a><\/li>\nReproductive Technology Mediation<\/a><\/li>\nWorking with Karen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>General Questions<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>What areas of law does Karen practice?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tKaren practices exclusively in matters involving adoption and assisted reproductive technology, such as surrogacy, egg donation, embryo donation, sperm donation, and embryo disposition. Karen is also a Florida Supreme Court-certified Family Mediator and can help parties resolve disputes relating to surrogacy, embryo disposition, gamete donation, and adoption.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Where in Florida does Karen practice?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tKaren is based in Orlando, but she represents clients internationally, nationwide, and throughout Florida. She has practiced in 16 of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>How does the consultation process work?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tAfter you submit an inquiry, Karen will respond \u2014 typically within two business days. If Karen can help, you’ll schedule a free, 30-minute initial consultation. During that consultation, she’ll listen to your situation, identify the legal framework that applies, and outline the next steps and estimated timeline.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Is my consultation confidential?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nYes. Every consultation is confidential. However, contacting Karen through the form or by phone does not create an attorney-client relationship \u2014 that relationship is formed only after a signed legal engagement agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Adoption<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>What types of adoption does Karen handle?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tKaren handles stepparent adoption, relative adoption, adult adoption, and second-parent adoption. She does not handle contested private domestic infant adoption or foster-adopt cases, but can refer you to trusted colleagues for those matters.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Do I need consent from the other biological parent for a stepparent adoption?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>In most cases, yes. Florida law requires consent from the non-custodial biological parent unless their parental rights have been terminated, the child has been abandoned as defined by statute, or the parent cannot be located after diligent search.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>How long does a stepparent adoption take?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>Most stepparent adoptions finalize within 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly consents can be obtained and the court’s docket.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Is a home study required for stepparent or second-parent adoption?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tA traditional home study is typically not required for stepparent adoption in Florida, though some judges may request additional documentation. A second-parent adoption may require a home study, depending on the circumstances. Karen can confirm the specific requirements for your case at the initial consultation.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Gestational Surrogacy<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Is gestational surrogacy legal in Florida?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tYes. Florida Statute 742.15 expressly authorizes gestational surrogacy agreements between legally married Intended Parents and a gestational surrogate. For Intended Parents who are unmarried, Florida Statute 63.213 is utilized for the surrogacy process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>When should the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement be signed?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nBefore any medical procedures begin. Most fertility clinics require legal clearance \u2014 which is an attorney letter stating that a gestational surrogacy agreement has been fully executed \u2014 before the gestational surrogate can start stimulation medication in preparation for embryo transfer.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Can unmarried intended parents pursue surrogacy in Florida?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tSection 742.15 specifically references legally married intended parents with at least one genetic connection to the child. Alternative statutory pathways in accordance with Section 63.213 of the Florida Statutes may apply for unmarried couples or single intended parents. Karen identifies the appropriate framework at the initial consultation.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Can the Gestational Surrogate and Intended Parents use the same attorney for the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nNo. Intended Parents and Gestational Surrogates have distinct legal interests. Karen represents one side and recommends the other party retain independent counsel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Egg, Sperm, & Embryo Donation<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Do I need a Donation Agreement if I'm using an anonymous donor?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tYes. Even in anonymous arrangements, a written agreement establishes legal parentage under Florida Statute 742.14, addresses future contact and anonymity provisions, and reaffirms the donor’s relinquishment of parental rights and responsibilities. Most fertility clinics require it before the cycle begins.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>My Donor is a friend or family member. Do we really need a contract?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nYes! Known Donor arrangements make a written agreement especially important. Expectations about the donor’s role in the child’s life, confidentiality, and future contact must be documented in advances to prevent disputes later.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Does Florida Statute 742.14 cover at-home insemination?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>Following the December 30, 2025 Florida Supreme Court decision in Brito v. Salas<\/em>, Section 742.14 protections apply only when a fertility clinic is used to conceive. For at-home insemination, additional steps are required. See our Sperm Donation<\/a> page for details.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens to embryos not used by the recipient?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>The Embryo Donation Agreement addresses disposition of any embryos not transferred \u2014 continued storage, destruction, donation to research, or in some cases donation to another intended parent.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>LGBTQ+ Family Building<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Can same-sex couples adopt in Florida?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\t\tYes. Same-sex couples have full legal rights to adopt in Florida. Florida law treats same-sex married couples identically to opposite-sex married couples for adoption purposes.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>If we're both listed on the birth certificate, do we still need a second-parent adoption?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>Yes, strongly recommended. A birth certificate is an administrative document. An adoption order is a court judgment entitled to full faith and credit across state lines and recognized by most foreign jurisdictions \u2014 significantly stronger long-term protection.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Can same-sex couples pursue gestational surrogacy in Florida?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>Yes. Legally married same-sex couples in Florida can enter into Gestational Surrogacy Agreements under Section 742.15 on the same terms as opposite-sex couples.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Reproductive Law Mediation <\/h2>\n<\/div>
Karen has collected the most common questions from consultations across her practice areas. Explore by topic below, or contact her directly for a free, 30-minute consultation to discuss your unique family formation needs. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\u2014 Browse by topic<\/p>\n
\n\t\tKaren practices exclusively in matters involving adoption and assisted reproductive technology, such as surrogacy, egg donation, embryo donation, sperm donation, and embryo disposition. Karen is also a Florida Supreme Court-certified Family Mediator and can help parties resolve disputes relating to surrogacy, embryo disposition, gamete donation, and adoption.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tKaren is based in Orlando, but she represents clients internationally, nationwide, and throughout Florida. She has practiced in 16 of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tAfter you submit an inquiry, Karen will respond \u2014 typically within two business days. If Karen can help, you’ll schedule a free, 30-minute initial consultation. During that consultation, she’ll listen to your situation, identify the legal framework that applies, and outline the next steps and estimated timeline.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Yes. Every consultation is confidential. However, contacting Karen through the form or by phone does not create an attorney-client relationship \u2014 that relationship is formed only after a signed legal engagement agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tKaren handles stepparent adoption, relative adoption, adult adoption, and second-parent adoption. She does not handle contested private domestic infant adoption or foster-adopt cases, but can refer you to trusted colleagues for those matters.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tA traditional home study is typically not required for stepparent adoption in Florida, though some judges may request additional documentation. A second-parent adoption may require a home study, depending on the circumstances. Karen can confirm the specific requirements for your case at the initial consultation.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tYes. Florida Statute 742.15 expressly authorizes gestational surrogacy agreements between legally married Intended Parents and a gestational surrogate. For Intended Parents who are unmarried, Florida Statute 63.213 is utilized for the surrogacy process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Before any medical procedures begin. Most fertility clinics require legal clearance \u2014 which is an attorney letter stating that a gestational surrogacy agreement has been fully executed \u2014 before the gestational surrogate can start stimulation medication in preparation for embryo transfer.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tSection 742.15 specifically references legally married intended parents with at least one genetic connection to the child. Alternative statutory pathways in accordance with Section 63.213 of the Florida Statutes may apply for unmarried couples or single intended parents. Karen identifies the appropriate framework at the initial consultation.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
No. Intended Parents and Gestational Surrogates have distinct legal interests. Karen represents one side and recommends the other party retain independent counsel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tYes. Even in anonymous arrangements, a written agreement establishes legal parentage under Florida Statute 742.14, addresses future contact and anonymity provisions, and reaffirms the donor’s relinquishment of parental rights and responsibilities. Most fertility clinics require it before the cycle begins.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Yes! Known Donor arrangements make a written agreement especially important. Expectations about the donor’s role in the child’s life, confidentiality, and future contact must be documented in advances to prevent disputes later.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\t\tYes. Same-sex couples have full legal rights to adopt in Florida. Florida law treats same-sex married couples identically to opposite-sex married couples for adoption purposes.\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>