You are here: Steps required if there is to be an application for a parentage order following a surrogacy arrangement Step 1 The parties to obtain independent legal advice prior to entering into the surrogacy arrangement. The lawyer who advises the intended parents cannot be the same lawyer who advises the birth mother and her spouse (if any). Step 2 The parties to obtain counselling prior to entering into the surrogacy arrangement. This counsellor can provide counselling to more than one of the parties. Step 3 Agreement is reached about the terms of the arrangement and a written surrogacy arrangement is prepared. Step 4 The child is conceived. There are no limitations on how the pregnancy can occur or the genetic material that can be used.  This is the personal decision for the birth mother. During pregnancy, the birth mother has control over her pregnancy. Step 5 Birth of the child. The birth parents must register the birth of the child at the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry. The child must reside with the intended parents for 28 days before an application can be made to the court for an order transferring parentage. Step 6 Obtain a surrogacy guidance report by an independent and appropriately qualified counsellor -- this cannot be the same counsellor the parties spoke with prior to entering into the surrogacy arrangement. The birth parents and intended parents must see this counsellor after the child is born. Step 7 Intended parents to lodge the court application. The