Law Offices of Lei, APC FindLaw IM Template2026-08-17T05:44:42Zhttps://www.bllaws.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103696/2024/03/cropped-site-icon-Lei-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[Can intended parents contact an egg donor about a child’s health?]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481172026-08-09T00:11:29Z2026-08-09T00:11:29Zegg donation arrangement, including whether the donor was known or unidentified and what the parties agreed to before the donation occurred. Medical necessity may provide a strong reason to seek information, but it does not automatically erase privacy boundaries established between the parties.
An egg donation agreement may determine how contact occurs
A properly prepared egg donation agreement can address more than compensation and parental rights. It may establish whether future communication is permitted and how requests for updated medical information should be handled.
For example, an agreement might require communication to go through the fertility clinic, egg donation agency or another designated intermediary rather than allowing parents to contact the donor directly.
This difference becomes important when a child develops a condition that may have a hereditary component. The parents may want information about newly diagnosed illnesses within the donor’s biological family, changes in the donor’s health or genetic conditions that were unknown when the initial screening occurred.
Therefore, parents should review the agreement before attempting direct contact. Circumventing an agreed communication process could create unnecessary privacy and contractual concerns.
For parents facing a child’s medical diagnosis, reviewing an existing donation agreement can help clarify the appropriate next steps. A legal professional familiar with assisted reproduction agreements can examine the contract and explain the available options. If communication with the donor is appropriate, it can then occur in a manner that respects a child’s medical needs and the boundaries established during the donation process.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[Addressing alcohol in a surrogacy contract]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481152026-08-01T12:53:15Z2026-08-01T12:53:15Zalcohol consumption. Surrogacy contracts play an important role in guiding the conduct of a surrogate and establishing reasonable expectations for how she behaves while preparing for medical procedures and during a pregnancy.
Contracts often forbid alcohol.
It is normal for surrogacy contracts to impose a total prohibition on alcohol and recreational drug consumption. In some cases, medical recommendations may even include reducing the dosage of prescription medication or changing the medications the surrogate takes.
The possibility of a surrogate struggling with lifestyle changes during pregnancy is one reason why selecting a professional surrogate screened by an outside service may be safer than working with a friend or family member in a surrogacy situation. Most surrogacy contracts require absolute abstention from alcohol and any other medications not deemed necessary during pregnancy.
In cases where surrogates violate this prohibition, they may face penalties. The consequences alone can be enough to deter many people from choosing to drink. Aspiring parents may need to speak with multiple candidates before they meet someone they feel they can trust.
Understanding legal options is easier when there is a professional available to explain the contractual and statutory rules that govern surrogacy arrangements. An attorney can help prospective parents evaluate agreements and work to better ensure their protection when expanding their families through surrogacy.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[4 valuable protections a California prenup can provide]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481112026-07-08T09:11:50Z2026-07-23T08:00:54ZMarriage is both a personal commitment and a legal partnership. Most couples focus on planning a wedding and building a future together. It is also important to discuss how they will handle financial matters if life takes an unexpected turn. These conversations may feel uncomfortable at first. But, they often strengthen a relationship by encouraging honesty and shared expectations.
Here are four valuable protections a well-drafted prenup can provide.
1. Keep premarital assets in the right hands
Couples may enter marriage with property they want to keep separate. This may include a home, investment account, family heirloom or business they owned before the relationship. Without a clear agreement, couples may disagree about whether those assets or their growth became shared property during the marriage. A prenup can identify separate property from the start. It can also explain how future appreciation or income tied to those assets should be treated.
2. Shield the business you've worked hard to build
Business owners face specific financial concerns when they marry. If the marriage ends, disputes may develop over the company's value, ownership or whether part of it became marital property. For example, someone who launches a company before marriage may want to avoid future ownership disputes. A prenup can state that the business remains separate while addressing future growth and each spouse's financial contributions.
3. Set clear boundaries around debt and finances
Marriage involves shared financial decisions, but it does not erase debts that existed before the wedding. A prenup can explain who remains responsible for certain debts. It can also outline how future financial obligations will be handled.For instance, one spouse may enter the marriage with significant student loans while the other has substantial savings. A clear agreement can reduce confusion and help both spouses understand their financial responsibilities.
4. Preserve family wealth and future inheritances
Some people expect to inherit money or family property in the future. Others want to preserve assets for children from a previous relationship.A prenup can support those goals by identifying property that should remain within a family. It can also reduce the risk of future disputes. Estate planning documents still play an important role, but a prenup can reinforce those plans by clarifying each spouse's expectations.A thoughtful prenup is less about expecting problems and more about creating a shared understanding while both spouses plan for the future together.
Strengthen your financial future together
The strongest prenuptial agreements begin with honest conversations, not conflict. Discussing finances before marriage can help couples align their expectations and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings later. Since California law has specific rules for enforceable prenups, an experienced family law attorney can help draft an agreement that protects your interests while supporting your shared future.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[How the Supreme Court ruling affects birthright citizenship]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481132026-07-15T00:19:42Z2026-07-15T00:19:42ZThe Constitution authorizes birthright citizenship
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution, initially ratified by Congress in 1868, validates the right of those born in the United States to be automatic citizens, regardless of how their parents may have entered the country. Birthright citizenship has given rise to many complications in recent years, especially during attempts to remove and deport those in the country without documentation.
The Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling affirms that the Constitution very clearly upholds the idea of birthright citizenship and protects those born in the United States by guaranteeing their right to stay in the country. Parents concerned about their children’s status can feel a little more confident about their future.
Immigrant parents, especially undocumented parents, may require legal guidance as they seek to protect not only themselves but also their children. Working with an attorney who is up to date on the law and court rulings can help parents understand and make use of their rights ensuring their children have proper documentation and the rights of citizens.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[Does your child’s school need to know that you’re divorcing?]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481092026-07-08T03:32:52Z2026-07-08T03:32:52Ztell someone at the school.
The short answer is that you at least need up-to-date contact details for both parents in case something should happen to the child while at school. It also allows them to keep you both informed of the child’s progress, of events and other school news without one of you having to pass on messages to the other.
Other reasons it’s a good idea
Besides the contact details, the news of your divorce can help teachers understand your child’s actions and behavior while at school. For instance, if your child gets into a fight, it might be that a fellow student provoked them by commenting unkindly about your splitting up and not that your child has suddenly become aggressive.
If they start doing poorly academically, like perhaps not handing in homework, a teacher may understand it as due to the effect of the change to home life and not hanging out with the wrong crowd or losing interest in school.
Of course, having divorcing parents doesn’t mean that issues like these shouldn’t have consequences for a child. However, knowing about the changes allows teachers to keep an eye on your child to see how they are coping and to provide feedback to you and your co-parent.
There’s a lot to consider when you divorce, especially as a parent. With experienced legal guidance, you can better navigate this challenging time.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[How early should you prepare a pre-birth order during a surrogacy?]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481062026-06-23T17:10:53Z2026-06-23T17:10:53ZThe moment you see a positive pregnancy test during your surrogacy journey is one you will never forget. Joy and relief rush in all at once. But soon after, a natural question comes to mind: When do you officially become your child's legal parent? The answer starts with a pre-birth order and understanding what it is and when to prepare it can give you real peace of mind throughout the pregnancy.
What is a pre-birth order?
A pre-birth order (PBO) is a legal document a court issues during a surrogacy pregnancy that declares you as your child's legal parent from the moment of birth. In a surrogacy arrangement, up to six people can potentially claim parental rights over your child. Without a PBO, that legal ambiguity puts your parental rights at risk. The order clarifies custody, decision-making rights and who the court names on the birth certificate, while also removing parental responsibilities from your surrogate. With that in mind, the next natural question is when you should start preparing one.
When should you start the process?
Establishing parental rights through a PBO takes time, which is why starting early makes all the difference. In fact, you should start preparing your pre-birth order during the second trimester, around weeks 12 to 20. Navigating court schedules and gathering required affidavits takes time. This is why starting early with your legal team helps make sure the signed order is ready well before your baby's due date. Knowing the right time to start is helpful, but breaking the process into clear stages makes it even easier to follow.
A timeline to keep you on track
Understanding the timing is one thing, but knowing what happens at each stage makes the process much clearer. Your pre-birth order follows a step-by-step path that runs alongside your surrogate's pregnancy. Here is what each stage looks like:
Pre-conception: Talk with a legal professional before medical procedures begin to map out your full legal plan.
First trimester: Start gathering all legal documents your attorney will need to file in court such as consent forms and surrogacy agreements.
Second trimester: Your attorney files the necessary paperwork with the court on your behalf.
Third trimester: A judge reviews and signs the order, typically around the seventh or eighth month.
Delivery day: The finalized order goes to the hospital and the state's vital records department, officially naming you as your child's legal parent.
Each stage builds on the one before it, so staying on schedule keeps the process running smoothly. With your timeline in place, the focus can shift to what this preparation really means for you and your growing family.
Protect your parental rights from day one
Preparing your pre-birth order early removes uncertainty for you and your surrogate. When you file your paperwork ahead of schedule, you can focus on what truly matters, welcoming your baby into the world. The earlier you start gathering documents and aligning with your team, the smoother the process becomes for everyone involved. Your child deserves to come home with everything already in place, and a little preparation early in the pregnancy makes that possible. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[After divorce, who makes critical decisions for a child?]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481042026-06-21T09:51:32Z2026-06-21T09:51:32ZAfter parents get divorced, they still have to make important decisions on a child's behalf. If a child gets sick, they have to decide where to take them for medical care. If they suffer an injury, they need to work with the medical team to authorize certain treatments or surgeries. If the child reaches school age, parents have to decide where to enroll them. There are many examples of these important decisions.
This can be addressed during a divorce, and it is part of the child custody order. While physical custody in California determines where the child will live and which parent will be with them, legal custody addresses the parents' authority to make decisions for their child, often regarding healthcare, education, welfare, religion and more.
What if parents share custody?
When parents share legal custody or have joint legal custody, they have to work together.For example, you may find an ideal school near your house where you want to enroll your child. But if you share legal custody with your ex, then the two of you have to agree on that school. Your ex also has a say in your child’s educational future, and you cannot simply choose on your own where the child will be enrolled.That said, a court can also establish sole legal custody. Even if both parents share physical custody, a court may select one parent to make major decisions independently.As such, every divorce case is unique. It is very important for parents to understand exactly what legal options they have, especially if a dispute arises.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[Making thoughtful plans for residual embryos after surrogacy]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481022026-06-04T17:07:07Z2026-06-04T17:07:07ZWhat options do parents have?
Those growing their families through surrogacy typically need to sign very thorough contracts. These agreements help establish parental rights and ensure the protection of everyone involved in a surrogacy arrangement.
Having specific plans in place for any unused embryos can prevent unexpected expenses and disputes from arising in the future. Parents can agree to continue paying for embryo storage in case they choose to have more children in the future.
They can also arrange for the donation of their embryos to others who may not have viable embryos or the ability to donate gametes. Some couples even opt for the destruction of unused embryos.
There are financial and personal implications for each of these options. Couples often need to discuss the matter carefully before choosing what works best for their personal beliefs and preferences.
Partnering with a surrogacy lawyer makes it easier for those growing their families through assistive reproductive technology to understand their options. The right contract terms can protect aspiring parents from emotional challenges and future legal disputes.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[Can a prenup protect inheritance rights?]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=481002026-05-29T15:56:41Z2026-05-29T15:56:41ZGetting married is exciting, but it also brings practical questions. One of the most common is whether a prenuptial agreement protects what you inherit. The short answer is yes, but it depends on how you write the prenup and the laws in your state.
Prenups and inheritance in California
When you marry in California, the state considers most assets you gain during the marriage to belong equally to both partners by law. This makes protecting your inheritance even more important. California law generally treats an inheritance as separate property. However, that protection can disappear quickly if you do not handle the money carefully. A prenup gives you an extra layer of security by putting in writing exactly what belongs to you, so no one can dispute it later.
How inheritance fits in
Things become complicated when you mix inherited money with shared marital funds. For example, if you deposit an inheritance into a joint bank account, the law may treat it as shared property. A well-written prenup can prevent this. It can clearly state that any inheritance you receive — now or in the future — will remain yours alone, regardless of how you manage it during the marriage.
What a prenup can and cannot do
A prenup is a powerful tool, but it does have limits. Here is what you need to know before signing one.A prenup can:
Protect existing inheritances from division in a divorce
Shield future inheritances from becoming marital property
Preserve assets intended for children from a previous relationship
A prenup cannot:
Override a valid will or change the rights of heirs named in an estate plan
Hold up in court if someone signed it under pressure or without full financial disclosure
Understanding these limits is just as important as knowing the benefits. A prenup works best when it is part of a broader estate plan, not a substitute for one.
Why you should hire an attorney
Writing a prenup on your own is risky. A single unclear sentence can make the whole agreement unenforceable. An experienced family law attorney ensures your prenup is legally sound, fair and tailored to your specific situation. They can help you understand California's community property laws, negotiate terms confidently and fully protect your inheritance. The cost of hiring an attorney upfront is far less than losing your inheritance later in court.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lei, APC<![CDATA[Traditional surrogacy vs. gestational surrogacy]]>https://www.bllaws.com/?p=480962026-05-27T16:00:55Z2026-05-27T16:00:54ZMethods of surrogacy have changed over the years. Some traditional options are still used, but they are less common than more modern approaches.
Traditional surrogacy occurs when the sperm from the intended father—or a donor—is used to artificially inseminate the surrogate herself. The surrogate’s own eggs are used to establish the pregnancy. She then carries the baby, gives birth and transfers custody to the intended parents.This means that the surrogate is biologically related to the child. She and the child share DNA because her eggs were used in the pregnancy. Advances in reproductive technology have caused this option to become less common than it once was.
Gestational surrogacy
The biggest shift over the decades has been toward gestational surrogacy, which is now the more common approach that most prospective parents choose.With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not provide the egg. Instead, both the egg and sperm are obtained from other individuals, such as the intended parents or donors. An embryo is then created from this material and implanted into the surrogate, who carries the baby to term.A major difference is that, although the gestational surrogate carries the child and gives birth, she does not share DNA with the baby and is not considered the child’s biological mother.
The surrogacy process
Are you and your partner interested in surrogacy, and have you begun exploring your options? The process can be legally and emotionally complex, but it may provide a path toward building the family you have been hoping for. It is often beneficial to work with an experienced attorney while navigating these important decisions.
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