What’s Happening?
Pippa Colman Family Law has launched a dedicated surrogacy law service through its Townsville and Sunshine Coast offices.
The launch comes as the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) reviews Australia’s surrogacy laws amid increasing demand for surrogacy arrangements.
The Queensland firm is encouraging intended parents and surrogates to seek legal advice early, particularly before conception. Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist Sarah Quilliam said timing plays an important role in the process.
“Surrogacy can be an incredibly exciting and deeply personal pathway to parenthood, but it is also a highly regulated legal process where timing matters,” Ms Quilliam said.
Why It Matters
Under Queensland’s Surrogacy Act 2010, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. Intended parents and surrogates must obtain independent legal advice and appropriate counselling. They must also put their surrogacy arrangement in writing before conception.
After the child’s birth, a parentage order is required to transfer legal parentage to the intended parent or parents.
Quilliam explained why seeking advice early is essential.
“In Queensland, there are important legal requirements that must be addressed before conception. Waiting until a pregnancy has commenced can mean some of those critical steps should already have taken place.
“That’s why we encourage people to speak to a lawyer early, even if they are only beginning to explore surrogacy. You don’t need to have an arrangement finalised before seeking advice.
“Having those conversations early can give both intended parents and surrogates a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities and help identify potential issues before they become problems.”
Local Impact
The new service provides Townsville residents with access to specialised legal guidance throughout the surrogacy process.
Through its Townsville office, the firm offers initial advice for intended parents and independent advice for surrogates. It also prepares and reviews surrogacy arrangements and assists with applications for parentage orders following birth.
In addition, the firm plans to work with fertility clinics, counsellors, psychologists and medical practitioners to encourage early legal referrals.
By The Numbers
- 76 children were estimated to have been born through domestic surrogacy arrangements in Australia in 2020.
- 275 children were estimated to have been born through overseas surrogacy arrangements that year.
- 20 applications for parentage orders were lodged under Queensland’s Surrogacy Act in 2024–25, compared with 30 in 2023–24.
Zoom In
The ALRC’s national review is examining differences between state and territory surrogacy laws. It is also considering barriers to domestic altruistic surrogacy and how Australian law recognises families formed through surrogacy.
Quilliam said the review offers an opportunity to examine the changing ways Australians build their families.
“Families are formed in many different ways, and surrogacy is an important pathway to parenthood for some Australians,” she said.
“The current legal landscape can be complex, particularly because surrogacy laws differ between states and territories. Whatever reforms may come nationally, Queenslanders considering surrogacy today still need to understand the legal framework that currently applies to them.
“Our role is to help people navigate that process with clarity and confidence, while recognising that behind every surrogacy arrangement are real people, relationships and an incredibly significant decision about creating a family.”
Zoom Out
The ALRC has identified growing demand and limited availability of domestic surrogates as factors driving Australians to seek arrangements overseas. Earlier estimates indicate that around 80 per cent of Australian children born through surrogacy in 2020 were born overseas.
Meanwhile, Pippa Colman Family Law celebrates 25 years in 2026, having established its practice in 2001.
The firm provides family law services across the Sunshine Coast and North Queensland, including parenting matters, property settlements, divorce and mediation.
What To Look For Next?
The national surrogacy law review will examine Australia’s existing framework, including barriers to domestic arrangements and the legal recognition of families.
Meanwhile, Pippa Colman Family Law will continue offering its dedicated surrogacy service through its Townsville and Sunshine Coast offices.
Intended parents and surrogates can learn more about the firm’s services through the Pippa Colman Family Law website.
