While the legislature in California does not specifically address surrogacy, case law does and in California, like Arkansas, the marital status of the surrogate is immaterial and the Intended Parents do not have to adopt their children; they are declared the parents prior to their child's birth. While I didn't know the laws were as favorable as they are in Arkansas, I wanted to clear up any misconceptions about California law.

Further, it's an even better state for lesbian couples who are are registered domestic partners as they do not have to petition the court to have their names placed on the birth certificate. If they are registered, the child is considered a child of their union and no further legal paperwork is needed.

please see Johnson v. Calvert and In Re Marriage of Buzzanca for further information on California surrogacy law.

Feel free to contact me at stephanie@surrogacy-lawyer.com or view my blog at http://surrogacylawyer.blogspot.com/.