Private Client

Modern Family Creation

September 24th 2026

Virtual Seminar

Modern Family Creation: Donors, Surrogacy and Legal Parenthood

September 24th 2026

2pm - 5pm

Speakers: Amanda Masson

Virtual Seminar

Book Now

£180+VAT

3hrs CPD

The ways in which families are created are changing rapidly, with more clients turning to donor conception, surrogacy and other routes to parenthood. While these arrangements can be positive and straightforward in many cases, they can also raise complex legal issues — particularly where expectations don’t align with the legal position.

For solicitors, the risk often lies in assuming the law reflects the parties’ intentions. This session looks at how these situations arise in practice and where problems can develop, helping you identify risks early and advise clients with confidence.

Topics covered are as follows:

  • The legal framework governing donor conception and surrogacy
  • Establishing legal parenthood in different family creation scenarios
  • The role of consent and intention in determining parental rights
  • Surrogacy arrangements: legal status and practical risks
  • Adoption and parental orders: when and how they apply
  • Rights and responsibilities of donors, intended parents and surrogates
  • Cross-border issues and jurisdictional challenges
  • Practical considerations when advising clients at an early stage
  • Common pitfalls and areas of uncertainty in practice
  • Amanda Masson is the Head of Family Law at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP. She is an experienced litigator, in both the Sheriff Court and Court of Session.