Typically, the attorneys for both the surrogate and intended parents should be licensed in the state where the surrogate resides. The reason for this is that the parentage proceeding is typically filed in the state where the surrogate resides to make sure that vital records in that state (where the baby will be born) will accept the parentage order and issue the birth certificate for the baby listing the intended parents as the parents. However, there are exceptions to this general rule and NYSC will discuss those with you if they apply based on the states of residence for you and your surrogate.