Our Services | Embryo Disposition Agreements
Protecting Your Future with Clear Embryo Disposition Agreements
Creating embryos is an incredible milestone — but it also raises important questions about the future. What happens to stored embryos if you and your partner separate, divorce, or simply disagree later on? Or, what is one partner wants to donate the embryo to the other?
At Tarnoff Family Formation, we help clients create Embryo Disposition Agreements that outline clear and legally sound plans for the use, storage, or disposition of embryos. Our goal is to prevent future conflict, protect reproductive autonomy, and ensure everyone’s intentions are respected.
Who We Help
Embryo agreements can serve a variety of purposes, whether planning for the future, or changing the ownership status of the parties.
Partners who are creating embryos together through IVF
Parties who want to customize disposition terms of embryos they are creating
Co-owners wishing to modify rights and obligations over previously created embryos
Understanding the legal process
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a thoughtful discussion about your wishes, concerns, and what-ifs. This helps ensure the agreement reflects your true intentions — not just for today, but for any future circumstances.
2. Drafting & Review
We draft a customized Embryo Disposition Agreement that outlines how embryos will be managed in the event of separation, divorce, death, or disagreement. The document is written in clear language and fully compliant with California law.
3. Finalization & Coordination
Once both parties agree, we finalize the document and, when applicable, coordinate with your fertility clinic to ensure the agreement is properly documented in their records.
Important Considerations We Help You Navigate
We approach these sensitive discussions with care — helping partners and co-owneres find common ground while protecting each person’s rights and personal autonomy.
Who controls the embryos in the event of a separation or divorce
Whether embryos may be used, donated, or discarded under certain conditions
How to handle changes in reproductive wishes over time
The importance of consent and mutual decision-making
Clinic requirements for acknowledgment and compliance
Our approach is:
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Compassionate
we honor the emotional side of the process
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Educational
less legal jargon, less confusion
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Efficient
proactive communication to avoid delays
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Protective
contracts and filings designed to safeguard everyone involved