Sherri Shepherd’s Surrogate Speaks Up

By Sheryl Rentz on February 2, 2015

Inside Edition, a 32-year-old surrogate mother was paid $25,000 to carry the baby for Shepherd and her husband, and the embryo was transferred to her uterus in November of 2013. Then, Shepherd and her husband separated and she allegedly lost interest in the baby.

The surrogate gave birth in August of 2014 and Shepherd did not show up at the hospital. The surrogate, therefore, was the first to hold the baby and the one to rock him back to sleep at night. Her name was even the one put on the birth certificate. Now, Shepherd’s ex-husband is raising the baby and he is asking for child support. It is unclear if Shepherd will sign the birth certificate or if she will be forced to provide child support.

This complicated case raises a number of questions about child support as well as how agreements are enforced. Will Shepherd be forced to become the mother of the child because she signed a contract? Will her ex be able to receive child support? Will the surrogate’s name on the birth certificate have an impact on the case? These are all important questions that must be answered.

If you are embroiled in a child custody case, you must have legal guidance to ensure that your best interests are protected. In Pennsylvania, custody decisions are made in court. You will have to file for custody in your county courthouse or family court and you will need a petition, previous custody orders, social security numbers for everyone involved, and the opposing party’s address. Then, you will get your court date.

In court, you will have an opportunity to present your side and to ask questions of the other side as well. You can provide evidence to back up your case and use witnesses who will testify on your behalf. Building a solid case is an important part of getting the type of custody that is best for you and your family. Make sure you have the support and guidance of an experienced Pennsylvania family attorney throughout the proceedings.