Colorado's Surrogacy Agreement Act expressly authorizes gestational-surrogacy agreements and compensated arrangements with detailed safeguards. Married or unmarried intended parents may participate with or without a genetic connection, and a court may issue a parentage order before, on, or after birth.
State surrogacy outlookVery surrogate-friendly
What to know about surrogacy in Colorado
State law provides a comparatively clear path for gestational-surrogacy agreements and parentage when its requirements are followed.
The legal pathway at a glance
01
Agreement and compensation
A written agreement is enforceable when statutory eligibility and process rules are met, each side has independent Colorado-licensed counsel, any required spouse joins, and the agreement is signed before medications or assisted-reproduction procedures begin. Compensation and reimbursement are permitted, and the carrier retains authority over health and welfare decisions.
02
Surrogate eligibility
A carrier must be at least 21, have previously given birth, complete medical and mental-health evaluations, and have independent Colorado counsel. If married, the carrier's spouse must be a party unless statutory exceptions apply.
03
Parentage and birth records
A party may seek an order declaring the intended parent or parents to be the legal parents before, on, or after birth. A pre-birth order is stayed until birth, and compliant parentage does not depend on an intended parent's genetic connection.
Colorado
Important Colorado differences
01
Confirm the Colorado nexus
At least one party must reside in Colorado, the birth must be anticipated there, or an assisted-reproduction procedure must occur there.
02
Complete eligibility screening first
Verify ages, the carrier's prior birth, required medical and mental-health evaluations, and any spouse participation before execution.
03
Use separate Colorado counsel
The carrier and intended parent side need independent attorneys licensed in Colorado, with the agreement completed before treatment begins.
Prospective surrogates
How to get started in Colorado
Sequence matters. Use these steps to prepare for a conversation with qualified assisted-reproduction professionals.
1
Begin with independent Colorado counsel
Ask separate Colorado counsel to confirm the § 19-4.5-105 state nexus, eligibility evaluations, spouse signatures, compensation terms, and the timing and venue for a § 19-4.5-111 parentage order before treatment.
2
Confirm eligibility and personal protections
A carrier must be at least 21, have previously given birth, complete medical and mental-health evaluations, and have independent Colorado counsel. If married, the carrier's spouse must be a party unless statutory exceptions apply.
3
Finish screening and the agreement before treatment
Complete medical, psychological, insurance, compensation or expense, and independent legal review before medication or embryo transfer. A written agreement is enforceable when statutory eligibility and process rules are met, each side has independent Colorado-licensed counsel, any required spouse joins, and the agreement is signed before medications or assisted-reproduction procedures begin. Compensation and reimbursement are permitted, and the carrier retains authority over health and welfare decisions.
4
Plan delivery and parentage paperwork early
A party may seek an order declaring the intended parent or parents to be the legal parents before, on, or after birth. A pre-birth order is stayed until birth, and compliant parentage does not depend on an intended parent's genetic connection.
Last reviewed August 15, 2026
Sources and legal authorities
Review the linked statutes, court materials, public guidance, and clearly identified practice sources as a starting point for current legal review.
Laws, court practices, and local filing procedures can change. This page provides general educational information, not legal advice. Consult independent assisted-reproduction counsel licensed in the relevant state before relying on it.
This directory organizes local planning information. A listed location does not by itself establish medical eligibility, program acceptance, or legal approval.