Many couples dream of becoming parents, but sadly for some, that dream does not always become a reality. Despite advances in fertility treatments, success is never guaranteed, which can be heartbreaking and, at times, soul-destroying for those involved. However, there is hope. As increasingly, ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) couples are exploring alternative routes to parenthood, including options such as a surrogacy program. Those considering this route are advised to seek out specialist clinics that provide comprehensive support, guidance, and personalised care – maximising both the hope and possibility of welcoming a child into their lives.
However, it’s not solely those facing fertility challenges who are turning to surrogacy. In an era where both men and women are building highly successful, demanding careers often well into later life, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and couples are considering this route for a variety of reasons. These may include age-related pregnancy risks, medical advice against carrying a child, or the practical realities of stepping away from significant professional responsibilities, as well as the desire for a predictable, supported process that reduces uncertainty and maximises the chances of a successful, healthy outcome. For this reason, surrogacy programmes can offer a carefully managed and expertly medically supported pathway to parenthood.
Once a topic people rarely talked about, surrogacy is slowly becoming more spoken about, thanks to public figures sharing their stories. When Lily Collins announced on social media that she had welcomed her daughter, Tove, via a surrogate, it sparked a lot of conversation – not just about wealth, but about how modern families are made. Similarly, Emma Thynn shared her journey of pursuing surrogacy in the United States after being advised that pregnancy would carry serious health risks – a decision driven entirely by medical reasons.
Some people assume surrogacy is chosen for lifestyle reasons, but for many, it’s deeply personal, often about protecting the health of both mother and child. These high-profile stories have helped lift the taboo, opening the conversation and showing that, for many couples, surrogacy is a safe and considered way to have the child they’ve been hoping for. Social media, and the growing visibility of same-sex couples using surrogacy, has also helped more families see that there are different available paths to parenthood.
Surrogacy may give you a child, but the legal journey doesn’t end at birth. In the UK, the birth mother is automatically recognised as the child’s legal parent, so intended parents must apply for a parental order to gain full legal rights – a process that can take months and requires careful planning so it’s imperative to ensure everything is in place and agreed when starting your surrogacy journey. For those using surrogates abroad, there are additional layers to navigate: securing citizenship, passports, and visas for the baby, and ensuring that all documentation meets both the UK and foreign legal systems. For ultra-high-net-worth families, there’s another layer of complexity – inheritance planning. It’s imperative to get a lawyer who works across both counties, as establishing legal parenthood early ensures that the child can be included in trusts, wills, and estate plans, protecting their long-term financial security and avoiding disputes down the line.
When pursuing surrogacy overseas, your lawyer must navigate both the legal requirements of your home country and those of the country where the child is born to ensure all necessary steps are completed. Parents may need to remain temporarily in the country of birth while securing the baby’s passport, obtaining full parental rights at home, and complying with different rules on parentage, citizenship, and inheritance. For families with multiple residences or complex assets, this expertise is invaluable – transforming what could be a stressful and confusing process into a smoother journey and providing peace of mind that the child’s legal and financial future is fully protected.
For ultra‑high‑net‑worth couples, surrogacy can be about much more than just having a child – it’s about creating a meaningful and safe process that works for them to have a baby. Some clinics now offer tailored packages that cover everything, from legal and travel support to IVF options, and even choosing the sex of the baby or selecting donors. For families with demanding careers, health considerations, or complicated schedules, these options give peace of mind and a sense of control. With the right support, surrogacy shows that there are multiple ways to build a family – and for those who can access it, it’s possible to do so with confidence, care, and a little extra reassurance every step of the way.
