It is obvious that we live in perilous times.
Our lives are no longer the same as they were prior to COVID. The new standard generally requires health hyper-precautions. For many of us, this means that international travel is not only unwise, but also prohibited.
However, despite the fact that our lives may appear to be rather different, people in the new normal are finding ways to live them all the same.
Every day at ADONIS, we interact with couples who are worried about the pandemic but more willing than ever to start the surrogacy process. We are dedicated to making the dream a reality for them and for you. This has always been our mission, and the new normal has also not changed it.
Of course, surrogacy is a paperwork-heavy process, especially at the start. Previously, intended parents needed to travel to Ukraine to sign paperwork in person that would begin the surrogacy process. But this requirement has been adapted to the new normal. Now, ADONIS is equipping you to start the surrogacy process with a power of attorney without ever having to leave your home country.
The words “power of attorney” might cause a few questions to jump to mind, so today, we’d like to take a few minutes to describe how we use power of attorney to empower intended parents, and how we design it to protect them.
What’s the definition of a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone to behave as another person’s representative. When using ADONIS for surrogacy, you, as the intended parent, specify when and under what circumstances that individual is permitted to act on your behalf.
With a power of attorney, how do I enable others to act on my behalf?
Once you tell your contact at ADONIS that you would like to get the surrogacy process started, our legal department will draft the power of attorney agreement. You review the agreement, and upon your approval, you have it notarized and return it to ADONIS. To make the process even easier for intended parents, ADONIS can proceed with surrogacy preparations with only a scan of the documents (although the originals must also be mailed to us).
What does the representative’s power of attorney cover?
Even though a power of attorney designates a representative, that representative cannot make any decisions or actions on your behalf without your express written consent. You review documents yourself through DropBox and you direct your representative according to your wishes.
The term of the power of attorney agreement varies from couple to couple. Usually, ADONIS recommends that the representative retain power of attorney for two years, but the agreement must cover (at minimum) the full nine months of the surrogate’s pregnancy.
The legal scope of the power of attorney is outlined specifically in the agreement. The documentation states specifically:
- what your representative is allowed to do on your behalf;
- which documents your representative is allowed to access;
- the conditions in which your representative is authorized to act on your behalf;
- any other specific authorizations or limitations discussed between you and ADONIS
If you are considering using power of attorney to start the surrogacy process in Ukraine through ADONIS, we recommend allowing ADONIS’ legal department to draft the agreement. If you are using a third party to draft the agreement, please carefully review the scope of authorization in the agreement before signing it.
Although these are the three most frequently asked questions about power of attorney, ADONIS is ready to answer any other questions you might have. In these uncertain times, we want to provide you with the knowledge and trust you need to make an educated decision about surrogacy. If you are considering surrogacy and you would like us to help make your miracle happen, please reach out to us via contact form.