SurroStudy

Terms of Services

Effective Date: February 26, 2026

Last Updated: February 26, 2026

1. INTRODUCTION AND ACCEPTANCE

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“Client,” “you,” or “your”) and SurroStudy (“SurroStudy,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) governing your use of our website located at https://surrostudy.com (the “Site”) and the services we provide.

By accessing or using our Site, requesting a consultation, engaging our services, or submitting any information to us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our Site or services.

2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of these Terms:

“Services” means the independent home evaluations, assessments, and related documentation services provided by SurroStudy for surrogacy and assisted reproduction arrangements.
“Client” means the individual or entity who engages SurroStudy’s Services, including intended parents, gestational carriers, surrogacy agencies, fertility clinics, or legal representatives.
“Evaluation Subject” means the individual(s) being evaluated through our Services.
“Report” means the written documentation, assessment, or evaluation produced by SurroStudy as a result of our Services.
“Third Party” means any surrogacy agency, fertility clinic, attorney, court, or other entity who may receive or rely upon our Reports.

3. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND LIMITATIONS

3.1 Services Provided

SurroStudy provides independent home evaluations specifically for surrogacy and assisted reproduction arrangements. Our Services include:

Comprehensive home evaluations for intended parents
Interviews and information gathering
Written reports and documentation
Follow-up support, clarifications, and supplemental documentation when needed

3.2 Services NOT Provided

SurroStudy does NOT provide the following services:

Matching services between intended parents and gestational carriers
Surrogacy agency services or facilitation
Medical advice, clearance, or healthcare services
Legal advice or attorney services
Mental health treatment, therapy, or counseling
Recommendations regarding specific surrogacy matches or arrangements
Guarantees regarding approval, suitability, or fitness for surrogacy

3.3 Assessment Nature

Our Reports are professional assessments based on information provided to us during the evaluation process. They do not constitute:

Guarantees of future behavior, outcomes, or performance
Predictions about the success or failure of any surrogacy arrangement
Medical or psychological diagnoses
Determinations of legal fitness or competency
Absolute determinations of suitability

SurroStudy evaluations may result in findings that are favorable, unfavorable, or conditional. We maintain complete independence in our professional judgment and do not guarantee any particular outcome or recommendation.

4. INDEPENDENCE AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

4.1 Independent Practice

SurroStudy operates as an independent evaluation service. We do not:

Maintain financial relationships with surrogacy agencies
Receive referral fees or commissions from clinics or agencies
Have ownership interests in surrogacy-related businesses
Allow Third Parties to influence our professional findings or recommendations

4.2 Professional Objectivity

Our sole obligation is to conduct thorough, ethical, and professionally sound evaluations. We maintain complete objectivity and independence in rendering our professional opinions, regardless of the preferences or expectations of any Client or Third Party.

5. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

5.1 Standards of Practice

SurroStudy adheres to applicable professional and ethical standards in conducting evaluations, including standards established by relevant professional organizations and licensing bodies. Our evaluators maintain appropriate credentials, training, and licensure as required by law.

5.2 Jurisdictional Compliance

Surrogacy laws and requirements vary significantly by state and jurisdiction. While we strive to provide evaluations that meet professional standards and comply with applicable requirements, Clients and Third Parties are responsible for:

Understanding the specific legal requirements in their jurisdiction
Verifying that our Services meet their specific needs and requirements
Consulting with legal counsel regarding compliance matters
Determining whether additional evaluations or documentation may be required

SurroStudy does not guarantee that our Reports will satisfy the requirements of any particular court, jurisdiction, agency, or Third Party.

6. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND INFORMED CONSENT

6.1 Voluntary Participation

Participation in SurroStudy’s evaluation process is completely voluntary. Evaluation Subjects have the right to decline participation or withdraw from the evaluation process at any time, subject to the payment terms outlined in Section 9.

6.2 Accurate Information

Clients and Evaluation Subjects must:

Provide complete, accurate, and truthful information during the evaluation process
Disclose all relevant information requested by SurroStudy
Respond honestly to all questions and inquiries
Promptly notify SurroStudy of any material changes to information previously provided

The quality and accuracy of our Reports depend on the completeness and accuracy of information provided. SurroStudy is not responsible for conclusions or recommendations based on incomplete, inaccurate, or false information provided by Clients or Evaluation Subjects.

6.3 Understanding the Process

By engaging our Services, Clients acknowledge and understand that:

Evaluations may reveal information that could affect surrogacy eligibility or arrangements
Unfavorable findings are possible and may impact surrogacy plans
SurroStudy has professional and legal obligations to report findings accurately, regardless of Client preferences
Certain information may be subject to mandatory reporting requirements as described in Section 7.4

6.4 Informed Consent Requirements

All Evaluation Subjects must provide informed consent before evaluation. This includes understanding:

The purpose and scope of the evaluation
How information will be collected, used, and shared
Who will receive the Report
Limitations on confidentiality
The voluntary nature of participation
The right to ask questions and seek clarification

When a Client is not the Evaluation Subject (e.g., an agency requesting evaluation of a gestational carrier), the Client is responsible for ensuring that the Evaluation Subject provides proper informed consent before the evaluation proceeds.

7. REPORTS, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONFIDENTIALITY

7.1 Report Ownership and Delivery

Upon full payment for Services, SurroStudy will deliver the completed Report to the Client or designated recipient as specified in the service agreement. The Report is provided for the specific purpose for which the evaluation was requested.

7.2 Authorized Recipients and Third-Party Reliance

Reports may be shared with and relied upon by:

The Client who engaged our Services
The Evaluation Subject(s)
Surrogacy agencies involved in the arrangement
Fertility clinics and medical professionals involved in the arrangement
Attorneys representing parties in the surrogacy arrangement
Courts or governmental entities as required by law or court order
Other parties specifically authorized by the Client in writing

Clients are responsible for determining appropriate distribution of Reports and must not share Reports with unauthorized parties.

7.3 Restrictions on Use and Reproduction

Reports are provided for the specific surrogacy arrangement for which they were prepared. Clients and Third Parties may not:

Alter, modify, or redact any portion of a Report
Use Reports for purposes other than those for which they were prepared
Reproduce or redistribute Reports beyond authorized recipients
Excerpt or quote portions of Reports out of context
Use Reports for different surrogacy arrangements or matches without written authorization from SurroStudy

7.4 Confidentiality and Required Disclosures

SurroStudy maintains confidentiality of information obtained during evaluations in accordance with applicable professional standards and legal requirements. However, confidentiality has limitations and may be breached when:

Required by law, court order, or subpoena
Necessary to comply with mandatory reporting obligations (child abuse, elder abuse, imminent danger to self or others)
Authorized by the Evaluation Subject in writing
Necessary to defend SurroStudy in legal proceedings
Required for professional consultation or supervision (with identifying information protected)

7.5 Record Retention

SurroStudy maintains evaluation records in accordance with applicable professional standards and legal requirements. Records are typically retained for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of the final Report. After this retention period, records may be destroyed in accordance with our document retention policy.

7.6 Report Validity and Updates

Home evaluations are time-sensitive documents. Reports are generally considered current for twelve (12) months from the date of issuance, though specific validity periods may vary based on:

Jurisdictional requirements
Agency or clinic policies
Material changes in the Evaluation Subject’s circumstances
Changes in applicable legal standards

Updated or supplemental evaluations may be required if Reports become outdated or if material changes occur. Such updates are subject to additional fees as outlined in Section 9.3.

8. NO PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP BEYOND EVALUATION

8.1 Limited Scope

The relationship between SurroStudy and Clients/Evaluation Subjects is strictly limited to the provision of evaluation services. These Terms do not create and should not be construed as creating:

A therapist-patient relationship
A doctor-patient relationship
An attorney-client relationship
A fiduciary relationship
An ongoing counseling or advisory relationship

8.2 No Ongoing Obligations

SurroStudy’s obligations are limited to conducting the evaluation and providing the Report as specified in the service agreement. We have no ongoing duty to:

Monitor the surrogacy arrangement
Provide updates absent specific engagement for such services
Intervene in disputes or problems that arise during the surrogacy process
Provide ongoing counseling, therapy, or support services
Advocate for any party in the surrogacy arrangement

Follow-up support is limited to clarification of Report contents, correction of factual errors, and supplemental documentation when specifically requested and paid for as outlined in Section 9.3.

9. FEES, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION

9.1 Service Fees

Fees for Services are established at the time of engagement and will be communicated to the Client in writing. Unless otherwise specified, payment is due as follows:

Initial consultation fee (if applicable): Due at time of scheduling
Deposit or retainer: Due upon execution of service agreement
Balance: Due upon completion of evaluation, prior to Report delivery

9.2 Payment Responsibility

The Client who engages SurroStudy’s Services is ultimately responsible for payment, regardless of any arrangements with Third Parties. When a surrogacy agency or other Third Party refers an Evaluation Subject for evaluation:

Payment responsibility must be clearly established in writing before Services begin
If a Third Party fails to pay, the Evaluation Subject or intended parents may be held responsible
Reports will not be released until full payment is received

9.3 Additional Fees

The following services may incur additional fees beyond the base evaluation cost:

Updated evaluations when circumstances change materially
Supplemental reports or addenda
Extensive follow-up consultations beyond standard clarifications
Testimony or court appearances (charged at prevailing hourly rate)
Rush processing or expedited services
Extensive revisions requested by Third Parties

Additional fees will be communicated to the Client in writing before the additional services are rendered.

9.4 Cancellation and Withdrawal

Clients and Evaluation Subjects may cancel or withdraw from the evaluation process subject to the following terms:

a) Consultation fees and deposits are non-refundable once the evaluation process has begun.
b) If a Client or Evaluation Subject withdraws after interviews have commenced, fees for services rendered up to the point of withdrawal are due and payable.
c) Clients who wish to cancel before any Services have been rendered must provide written notice. Deposits may be refunded at SurroStudy’s discretion.
d) No partial Reports will be issued for incomplete evaluations unless specifically requested and paid for.

9.5 Late Payment

Accounts not paid within thirty (30) days of invoice date may be subject to:

Late fees of 1.5% per month (or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less)
Suspension of services, including withholding Reports
Collection actions, with the Client responsible for all collection costs including reasonable attorney fees

9.6 Disputes Regarding Fees

Clients who dispute any charges must notify SurroStudy in writing within ten (10) business days of receiving the invoice. Disputes must specify the basis for the disagreement and provide supporting documentation. Undisputed portions of invoices remain due and payable.

10. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

SurroStudy’s collection, use, and protection of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy.

Although SurroStudy may not be a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we handle sensitive personal and health information with care and in accordance with applicable privacy standards. We implement reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and security of information collected during evaluations.

11. DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1 Professional Judgment Limitations

SurroStudy’s Reports represent professional assessments based on information available at the time of evaluation. We expressly disclaim any guarantee, warranty, or assurance that:

Any surrogacy arrangement will be successful
Evaluation Subjects will perform as expected
Future behavior can be predicted with certainty
Our Reports will satisfy all requirements of any particular jurisdiction, court, or Third Party
Legal proceedings or surrogacy arrangements will proceed without complications

11.2 No Liability for Surrogacy Outcomes

SurroStudy is not liable for:

The ultimate success or failure of any surrogacy arrangement
Decisions made by Third Parties based on our Reports
Actions or inactions of Evaluation Subjects after the evaluation is completed
Medical complications or outcomes
Legal disputes between parties to a surrogacy arrangement
Financial losses related to surrogacy arrangements
Emotional distress arising from surrogacy arrangements

11.3 No Liability for Third-Party Decisions

SurroStudy is not responsible for how agencies, clinics, attorneys, courts, or other Third Parties use, interpret, or rely upon our Reports. Decisions regarding:

Acceptance or rejection of intended parents or gestational carriers
Matching decisions
Medical clearance
Legal determinations
Whether to proceed with a surrogacy arrangement

are made independently by Third Parties and are not the responsibility of SurroStudy.

11.4 No Guarantee of Jurisdictional Acceptance

While SurroStudy strives to provide Reports that meet professional standards and comply with general requirements, we do not guarantee that our Reports will be accepted by any specific:

Court or judicial authority
State or local jurisdiction
Surrogacy agency
Fertility clinic
Attorney or legal representative
Governmental agency

Clients are responsible for verifying that our Services meet their specific needs before engaging our Services.

11.5 Maximum Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SURROSTUDY’S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR OUR SERVICES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL FEES PAID BY THE CLIENT FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICES THAT GAVE RISE TO THE CLAIM.

11.6 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SURROSTUDY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SURROSTUDY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

11.7 Services Provided “As Is”

SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

12. INDEMNIFICATION

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SurroStudy, its owners, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or related to:

Client’s breach of these Terms
Client’s violation of any law or regulation
Client’s violation of any rights of Third Parties
Provision of false, inaccurate, or misleading information during the evaluation process
Unauthorized use or distribution of Reports
Claims arising from surrogacy arrangements or outcomes

This indemnification obligation shall survive termination of these Terms and completion of Services.

13. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

13.2 Venue and Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms or our Services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Diego County, California. Client irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts and waives any objection to such jurisdiction or venue.

13.3 Arbitration (Optional Provision)

The parties may mutually agree to submit any dispute arising from these Terms to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any arbitration shall be conducted in San Diego County, California.

13.4 Attorney Fees

In any legal proceeding arising out of these Terms, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney fees and costs from the non-prevailing party.

14. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All content on the Site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of SurroStudy or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Reports prepared by SurroStudy are professional work product. While Clients receive the right to use Reports for their intended purpose, SurroStudy retains all intellectual property rights in the format, methodology, and proprietary aspects of the evaluation process.

15. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

SurroStudy reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Modified Terms will be posted on our Site with an updated “Last Updated” date. Material changes will be communicated to active Clients via email to the address on file.

Continued use of our Site or Services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. Evaluations in progress at the time of modification will be governed by the Terms in effect when the service agreement was executed, unless both parties agree otherwise in writing.

16. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving the parties’ original intent.

17. WAIVER

No waiver of any provision of these Terms shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.

18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any written service agreement executed between SurroStudy and Client, constitute the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings and agreements, whether written or oral.

19. ASSIGNMENT

Client may not assign or transfer these Terms or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of SurroStudy. SurroStudy may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

20. FORCE MAJEURE

SurroStudy shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemic, governmental actions, natural disasters, labor disputes, or telecommunications failures.

21. CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions, comments, or concerns regarding these Terms should be directed to:

SurroStudy

Email: hello@surrostudy.com

Phone: 307-228-7444

22. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

BY USING OUR SITE OR SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, UNDERSTAND THEM, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT USE OUR SITE OR SERVICES.