The Ultimate Intended Parent FAQ: 50 Questions About the Surrogacy Process, Answered Honestly

SECTION 1: About Roots & Our Philosophy

1. What makes Roots Surrogacy different from other agencies?

Roots is intentionally mid-sized, founder-led, and relationship-driven. We are not a private-equity-backed agency, and we are not a volume-based matching service. Every journey is managed by experienced professionals who know your case, your surrogate, and your clinic—personally.

We match approximately 150 parents and surrogates per year. That's not an accident. We keep our caseloads manageable because we believe the quality of your experience depends on the quality of our attention.

2. Is Roots a concierge agency or a traditional agency?

Both, in the best sense of each. Roots offers concierge-level care within a full-service agency model—high-touch, proactive case management, executive oversight when needed, and deep involvement throughout the journey, not just at matching. We intentionally curate every journey based on personalities, expectations, and clinical needs.

3. How long has Roots been in operation?

Roots was founded in 2015. Over the past decade, we've helped create more than 500 families through gestational surrogacy.

4. Who runs Roots day to day?

Roots was co-founded by Brooke Kimbrough, a former surrogate, and Cassie Wright, a parent through IVF and an Assisted Reproductive Technology attorney. Both founders bring lived experience to the work—not just professional credentials. Brooke still personally leads every single introductory call with intended parents, ten years in. That's not a formality. It's a commitment.

Our extended team includes six additional women, each with direct experience from either the surrogate or intended parent side of the journey.

5. Do you work with all family types?

Yes. We proudly work with heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, single parents, and international families—provided the legal framework supports ethical and enforceable parentage in the relevant jurisdiction.

SECTION 2: The Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents

6. What does the surrogacy process look like with Roots?

We use our proprietary Seed, Water, Grow™ framework to guide every journey:

• Seed (Readiness & Preparation): Onboarding, profile creation, plan selection, agreement signing, retainer payment
• Water (Matching & Legal): Surrogate vetting, profile exchange, match meeting, medical screening, legal contracts, escrow funding
• Grow (Pregnancy & Support): Embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, legal parentage coordination, birth planning, delivery, and post-birth support

From agency onboarding to birth, the full process typically takes 18–30 months, depending on match timing, clinic protocols, and embryo outcomes. We will never ask you to "Google" anything. We can refer you to vetted ancillary services in any sector to support a well-rounded and safe journey.

7. How long does the surrogacy process take from start to finish?

Here's a realistic breakdown:

• Day 0: Sign your agreement with Roots, pay your first agency installment
• Day 60 (approx.): Match with a surrogate, sign the Gestational Carrier Agreement, fund escrow
• Day 100 (approx.): Embryo transfer
• 9 months post-transfer: Birth

Total timeline from onboarding to birth: typically 18–30 months, though certain plans are designed to shorten the wait.

8. Why do good agencies have waitlists?

There is a national surrogate shortage in the United States. Any agency claiming "no wait" either has more surrogates than parents, isn't screening thoroughly, or both. At Roots, our waitlist exists because we protect surrogate quality. An agency with a database full of immediately available surrogates should raise serious questions.

9. Can Roots help expedite matching?

Yes. Our Premium Connection and Executive Bliss plans are designed to shorten wait times through prioritized placement and executive-level coordination. Our Total Assurance Plan includes a guaranteed match within 2–4 months.

10. Will I see multiple surrogate profiles at once?

No. Roots uses intentional, one-at-a-time matching. We don't operate a surrogate database. You receive one carefully considered profile, you review it thoughtfully, and then you decide. This protects surrogates from being "shopped" and helps parents make grounded, meaningful decisions. If you pass, you remain at the top of the list—but that surrogate will be matched with the next family.

SECTION 3: Surrogate Screening & Ethics

11. How are surrogates vetted at Roots?

Our screening process takes approximately four months and includes:

1. Education and preparation on the full surrogacy process
2. Complete medical history and record review
3. Lab work and health screening (including STI and toxicology screening)
4. Background investigation by a private investigator (extended to all household members over 18)
5. Social media audit across Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok
6. Two-part psychological evaluation: licensed mental health interview plus standardized testing

Surrogates come out of this process educated, committed, and fully vetted. We also screen all intended parents through background checks and psychological review—because this is a two-way relationship.

12. What percentage of applicants become Roots surrogates?

Approximately 1%. We screen heavily for health, stability, motivation, and long-term reliability. That number is intentional.

13. Why does surrogate screening matter so much for intended parents?

Poor screening leads to failed cycles, canceled journeys, conflict, and heartbreak. When you work with a surrogate who has been rigorously vetted—medically, psychologically, and logistically—you're starting from a foundation of confidence rather than hope.

14. Does Roots work with first-time and experienced surrogates?

Yes to both. Experienced carriers are welcome and often compensated accordingly. But first-time surrogates who are well-screened are equally valued. For what it's worth: there is no statistical difference in live birth rates between first-time and repeat carriers.

15. How does Roots support surrogates during the journey?

Surrogates receive consistent education, proactive communication, financial advocacy, and emotional support throughout the entire journey—including postpartum. We believe that how we treat surrogates directly reflects on the quality of your journey as an intended parent. A supported surrogate is a committed surrogate.

SECTION 4: Costs, Failed Transfers & Financial Reality

16. What is the total cost of surrogacy with Roots?

Here's the honest answer: total journeys typically range from $200,000 to $400,000, depending on plan selection, clinic costs, insurance situation, and pregnancy outcomes.

Below is a breakdown of what goes into that number:

Roots Agency Fees (2026):

Plan

Total Agency Fee

Harmony Plan

$50,000

Premium Connection Plan

$72,000

Executive Bliss Plan

$150,000

Total Assurance Plan

$400,000 (all-inclusive)

Surrogate Compensation:

• Base compensation: $60,000+
• Experienced carriers: $75,000–$120,000
• Monthly miscellaneous expenses: ~$4,000 (paid from legal signing through contract termination)
• Milestone bonuses: ~$8,000 (transfer day, medication start, legal signing, housekeeping/maternity allowance)

Additional Costs:

• Clinical fees (IVF procedures): $30,000+
• Health insurance for surrogate: $15,000–$30,000
• Life insurance (one-year, $500,000 policy): ~$1,800
• Intended parent attorney fees: $7,000–$15,000
• Surrogate attorney fees: $3,000–$5,000
• Escrow holding fee: $1,500
• Escrow funded with: $125,000–$200,000 at GCA signing
• Doula services and prenatal care: ~$4,000
• Travel: ~$2,500
• Lost wages for surrogate and/or partner: varies

Note: These estimates assume a singleton pregnancy with a successful transfer on the first attempt. Egg donation, embryo creation, storage, and multiple pregnancy fees are not included.

17. What happens if an embryo transfer fails?

Failed transfers are emotionally difficult—and financially real. Additional costs for a failed cycle typically run approximately $10,000, covering medications, monitoring, surrogate compensation milestones, travel, and clinic fees. Roots prepares families for this reality upfront, before you sign anything.

18. Do some agencies hide the cost of failed transfers?

Yes. Some agencies market low base fees while downplaying what a failed cycle actually costs. We consider financial transparency to be part of informed consent. You deserve to know the full picture before you commit.

19. Are agency fees refundable if a transfer fails?

No. Agency fees are earned through work performed—screening, matching, coordination, communication. They are not refundable. However, certain Roots plans include rematch protections or bundled services that reduce financial uncertainty when things don't go as planned.

20. What is the Total Assurance Plan?

The Total Assurance Plan is our all-inclusive program designed for families who want maximum predictability and a concierge-level experience without the anxiety of escalating costs.

What's included:

• Surrogate match within 2–4 months
• Surrogate base compensation up to $80,000
• Unlimited embryo transfers
• Unlimited rematches with no rematch fees
• Clinical costs for surrogate IVF, monitoring, and travel (up to $75,000)
• OB, maternity care, and hospital delivery costs
• Maternal care insurance and accidental death/miscarriage insurance
• Attorney fees
• Medications and standard ancillary services
• Full-service case management from match through birth

Payment schedule:

• $50,000 at signing of Agreement for Services
• $300,000 at signing of the Gestational Carrier Agreement
• $50,000 on the day of the first embryo transfer

Total: $400,000

This plan doesn't necessarily reduce overall spend—but it eliminates the financial uncertainty that derails so many journeys.

SECTION 5: Agency Comparison & Red Flags

21. How should intended parents compare surrogacy agencies?

Look beyond marketing. Evaluate:

• How rigorously are surrogates screened—and what does that process actually include?
• Who manages your case day to day, and what is their caseload?
• How transparent are they about costs, including failed transfers?
• Is leadership accessible, or are you handed off immediately to a junior coordinator?
• What do their former clients say, and can you speak to them directly?

22. What are red flags when choosing an agency?

Watch for these:

• No waitlist during a known national surrogate shortage
• A large "database" of available surrogates
• Vague or evasive answers about failed transfer costs
• High staff turnover
• Private equity ownership with volume pressure
• In-house attorneys or escrow management (more on that below)

23. Are private-equity-backed agencies problematic?

Not inherently—but many are growth-driven rather than relationship-driven. Families often become case numbers. The incentive structure shifts from outcomes to volume. Ask who owns the agency and what their growth model looks like.

24. How is Roots different from large-scale agencies?

We limit caseloads, prioritize relationships, and don't over-promise. We do not scale at the expense of outcomes. We are the agency we would want to use if we were in your position—that's literally why we built it.

25. Should I trust Facebook groups for agency research?

No. Facebook groups are often moderated by agencies, influenced by paid promoters, or dominated by individual experiences that don't reflect broader patterns. They can be useful for community connection, but they are not a substitute for professional due diligence.

SECTION 6: Relationships & Communication

26. How often will I hear from Roots during my journey?

Communication is proactive and consistent. We use a weekly 5-Touchpoint system that ensures every active case is touched once a week—updates to both parents and surrogates, connections to ancillary services, and documented case notation. You will not be left wondering where things stand.

27. What happens if conflict arises with a surrogate?

Roots actively manages expectations early and provides conflict resolution support before issues escalate. Most conflict in surrogacy is rooted in miscommunication or unmet expectations—both of which we work to prevent through clear matching and consistent check-ins.

28. Will I have a relationship with my surrogate?

Yes—every match at Roots involves some level of relationship. The depth of that relationship depends on mutual preference. Some families and surrogates become lifelong friends. Others maintain a respectful, professional connection. Both are valid. We help facilitate whatever is right for your match.

29. What if I want a more private journey?

Privacy preferences are discussed during matching and honored throughout. Not every family wants a deeply connected experience, and that's completely fine. We build the relationship structure around your needs.

30. Does Roots attend major milestones?

For certain plans, executive leadership may attend anatomy scans or births to support both parties. This is one of the ways our concierge approach shows up in practice, not just in marketing.

SECTION 7: Medical, Legal & Logistics

31. Does Roots choose my clinic or attorney?

No—but we make vetted referrals and coordinate closely with whichever professionals you choose. One important note: if an agency uses in-house attorneys or manages escrow internally, that is a serious red flag. These are two clear indicators that an agency is not following best practices, and it exposes you to meaningful legal and financial risk.

32. What states does Roots work in?

We work only in surrogacy-friendly states that support enforceable pre-birth parentage orders. We do not currently work in Texas, and we are not matching in Florida given pending new legislation. If you're unsure about your state's legal landscape, we'll tell you clearly—not after you've signed.

33. What is escrow and why does it matter?

Escrow is a holding account that protects all parties by managing surrogate compensation, medical costs, and reimbursements. It should always be managed by an independent third-party escrow company—never by the agency itself. If an agency controls its own escrow, that's a conflict of interest. At Roots, escrow is funded with $125,000–$200,000 at the signing of the Gestational Carrier Agreement and is managed entirely by a third party.

34. How are insurance issues handled?

Roots assists in identifying, securing, and managing appropriate maternity coverage for your surrogate. Health insurance for a surrogate typically runs $15,000–$30,000, and life insurance (one-year, $500,000 policy) runs approximately $1,800. We help you understand what you need before you need it.

35. What happens if complications arise during pregnancy?

Roots coordinates care, communication, and financial logistics while prioritizing the surrogate's health and the baby's well-being. You will not be navigating that alone.

SECTION 8: Ethics & Long-Term Thinking

36. What does "ethical surrogacy" mean at Roots?

Ethical surrogacy means surrogate autonomy is protected, informed consent is real (not performative), compensation is fair and transparent, and expectations for all parties are realistic. It means we say no when we need to—to surrogates who aren't ready, and to intended parents whose expectations don't align with ethical practice.

37. Does Roots ever say no to intended parents?

Yes. We are not the right agency for everyone, and we're unapologetic about that. If expectations are unrealistic, if values don't align, or if a family's approach to the journey conflicts with our ethics, we won't proceed. Doing right is more important than doing business.

38. How does Roots avoid surrogate exploitation?

Through education, transparency, fair compensation, and ongoing advocacy. Our surrogates earn a base of $60,000+, with experienced carriers earning $75,000–$120,000. They receive monthly expense payments, milestone bonuses, and consistent support from our team. Their well-being is not a marketing point—it's an operational priority.

39. What role does long-term thinking play in how you operate?

We consider not just the pregnancy, but the birth, the parentage order, and the child's future access to information about their story. We also think through your specific family needs: Do you want multiple children? What are your timelines? Are there pending legal changes in your state that could create risk? We look around corners so you don't have to.

40. Will my child be able to understand their story?

Roots encourages openness and ethical storytelling that centers the child's future emotional well-being. We can help you think through how to talk about your child's origins in age-appropriate, loving ways—because this story is one worth telling well.

SECTION 9: Final Questions & Next Steps

41. Is surrogacy ever guaranteed?

No ethical agency guarantees outcomes. Medicine is imperfect, and IVF success rates vary by clinic, embryo quality, and individual circumstances. What we can guarantee is that you'll be informed, supported, and never blindsided.

42. How involved do I need to be in the process?

As involved as you want to be. Roots adapts to your communication style, your schedule, and your capacity. Some families are deeply hands-on. Others prefer to trust us to manage the details and check in at key milestones. Both approaches work.

43. What if I've had prior failed journeys or agency trauma?

We work with families who've experienced loss, failed transfers, and difficult prior agency relationships more often than you might think. We know how to hold that history with care while helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

44. Can I pause my journey if needed?

Yes. Life happens. Roots supports thoughtful pauses without pressure or penalty. We'd rather you take the time you need than rush into a decision that isn't right.

45. What if I want a sibling journey later?

Many Roots families return for second and third journeys—sometimes with the same surrogate, sometimes with a new match. We love sibling journeys. They're some of our favorite calls to make.

46. How do I know if Roots is right for me?

If you value communication, transparency, ethics, and human connection—and you're looking for a white-glove experience led by people who've actually lived this—Roots is likely a strong fit. We're also honest that we are a premium agency. Our plans range from $50,000 to $400,000 in agency fees alone. We make sure every family understands the full cost picture early, so you can make a decision that's right for your budget and your goals.

47. What if I'm still comparing agencies?

That's not just okay—we encourage it. Talk to at least two or three agencies before you decide. A confident agency welcomes comparison. We know what we offer, and we'd rather you choose us because it's the right fit than because you didn't know your options.

48. What is the first step with Roots?

A one-on-one introductory call—led personally by Brooke Kimbrough, our CEO and co-founder. She has done every single parent introduction for a decade. You'll walk away with a clear picture of the process, honest answers to your hardest questions, and a sense of whether Roots is the right home for your journey.

49. Do you rush families into decisions?

Never. Informed, grounded decisions lead to better outcomes. We follow your lead on budget and timeline, and we will never pressure you toward a plan or a match that doesn't feel right.

50. What does Roots believe surrogacy should feel like?

Supported. Transparent. Human. Ethical. Not transactional. Not rushed. Not confusing.

We started Roots because we wanted to create the agency we would have chosen—as a surrogate and as an intended parent. A decade later, with over 500 families built, we're still building it that way: one relationship at a time.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Your introductory call with Brooke is where every Roots journey begins. It's a real conversation—no sales pitch, no pressure. Just honest answers, clear information, and a chance to ask everything you've been holding.

Schedule your intro call with Brooke →

Roots Surrogacy | info@rootssurrogacy.com | 818.919.2434