Australian Family and Fertility Law

Stephen Page
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Join Award-Winning Family & Surrogacy Lawyers, Bruce Provan and Stephen Page who interviews lawyers, doctors, counsellors, parents, surrogates, scientists, donors and others who are the moving parts bringing together the ability to form families through surrogacy, and when families fall apart. Interviewees talk about their personal journeys through life, leading to their passion in their respective fields.

  1. 6D AGO

    Mexico Surrogacy Update: New Court Rulings Change Everything

    Send us Fan Mail Considering surrogacy in Mexico? Critical legal updates you can't afford to miss. Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, breaks down two groundbreaking Mexican Supreme Court decisions that are reshaping surrogacy timelines and processes for Australian intended parents. Mexico has gone from a niche surrogacy destination to a booming market — surrogacy agencies have tripled from 20 to 60 in just a couple of years. But with growth comes change. Current timelines have blown out to 10–16 weeks (up from 7–8 weeks historically), but a February 2026 Supreme Court decision allowing pre-birth orders in state courts could speed things up dramatically. Stephen explains what these rulings mean, how AMPARO orders work, and what Australian intended parents should expect when planning Mexican surrogacy in 2026. Key Topics Covered:  ✅ Two major Mexican Supreme Court decisions explained  ✅ July 2025 ruling: surrogacy agreements must be fair and non-oppressive  ✅ February 2026 ruling: pre-birth orders now available  ✅ Why Mexico surrogacy timelines have increased to 10–16 weeks ✅ How pre-birth orders in state courts could speed up the process  ✅ AMPARO orders vs state court orders: what's the difference?  ✅ Growth of surrogacy agencies in Mexico (tripled in 2 years)  ✅ What Australian intended parents should expect in 2026 Mexico remains a popular surrogacy destination for Australians, but understanding the evolving legal landscape is critical. Get proper legal advice before committing to any international surrogacy arrangement. Need expert fertility law advice? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/ Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    5 min

  2. MAR 27

    Colombia Surrogacy Update: The Bill That Died

    Send us Fan Mail Colombia's latest attempt to restrict surrogacy for foreigners has failed, and that's big news for Australian intended parents. Here's what you need to know. Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, explains what happened to Colombia's controversial surrogacy restriction bill, and what it means for Australians considering surrogacy overseas. In July 2024, Colombia's Congress considered yet another bill to restrict or ban commercial surrogacy for foreigners — the 12th, 14th, or 15th attempt, depending on who's counting. But the bill has now officially died following congressional elections, and with presidential elections coming in May, no one is focused on reintroducing it any time soon. In this episode, Stephen covers: What Colombia's surrogacy restriction bill proposeWhy the bill died following congressional electionsCurrent status: no restrictions on foreigners accessing surrogacy in ColombiaAustralian state laws you must check before pursuing overseas surrogacyThe six states and territories with commercial surrogacy offencesEgg donation offences that also applyWhat's next? Will a new bill be introduced?  Before pursuing international surrogacy in Colombia or anywhere else, it's critical to understand both the destination country's laws and your Australian state's criminal laws around commercial surrogacy and egg donation. Don't risk breaking the law unknowingly. Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/c_rNpMCxpxs Need expert fertility law advice? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/ Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    3 min

  3. MAR 24

    High Net Worth Divorce: What You Need to Know

    Send us Fan Mail Separating with significant assets and superannuation? Bruce Provan, Managing Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, explains what makes high net worth family law cases different and what you should expect when dividing assets worth $10 million or more. High net worth property settlements involve the same legal principles as any other family law matter, but with added layers of complexity. From valuing intricate company and trust structures to engaging senior barristers and managing overseas assets, Bruce breaks down the unique challenges faced by couples with substantial wealth during separation. Learn why these cases often take longer to resolve, cost more in legal fees, and are more likely to proceed to trial.  📌 Key Topics Covered:  ✅ What qualifies as a high-net-worth case ($10 million+ in assets and super)  ✅ Complex tax, company, and trust structures in property settlements  ✅ Valuing minority interests and sophisticated asset portfolios  ✅ When to engage King's Counsel or senior barristers early  ✅ Why high net worth cases are more likely to go to trial  ✅ Managing overseas assets and international legal advice  ✅ Jurisdiction issues: Should your case be heard in Australia or overseas?  ✅ Timeline expectations for complex wealth division cases  💼 Need expert family law advice for high net worth matters? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/ If you're facing a complex property settlement involving significant assets, trusts, companies, or international holdings, specialized legal advice is essential. Don't navigate high-stakes financial division without experienced representation. 👍 If you found this episode helpful, leave us a review — it helps other families find the podcast when they need it most. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    4 min

  4. MAR 19

    Iran Surrogacy: Critical Warning for Australian Intended Parents

    Send us Fan Mail Planning surrogacy in Iran? This urgent update could change everything. Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, issues a critical warning about current conditions in Tehran that make surrogacy travel extremely risky for Australian intended parents. Iran has been a destination for Australian intended parents of Iranian heritage seeking surrogacy services, but recent developments have created dangerous conditions that cannot be ignored. From escalating security threats and detentions following regional conflicts to a catastrophic water crisis forcing residents to evacuate Tehran, the reality on the ground has drastically changed. Stephen explains why Iran should be removed from your surrogacy consideration list right now. 📌 Key Topics Covered:  ✅ Recent military conflicts and security escalations affecting Iran  ✅ Mass detentions and executions creating dangerous conditions for foreigners  ✅ Tehran's water crisis: city running out of drinkable water  ✅ Residents forced to collect water from communal points  ✅ Potential mass evacuation of Tehran due to water shortage  ✅ Australian legal risks of commercial surrogacy overseas  ✅ Who is eligible for surrogacy in Iran (heterosexual married couples only)  ✅ Citizenship and legal challenges bringing your child home 💼 Need expert fertility law advice? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/   Your safety and your future child's wellbeing must be the priority. Before making any international surrogacy decisions, consult with experienced fertility lawyers who understand both the legal complexities and current global conditions affecting surrogacy destinations. 👍 If you found this episode helpful, leave us a review — it helps other families find the podcast when they need it most. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    3 min

  5. MAR 16

    Shocking Surrogacy Numbers: What Australia Isn't Telling You

    Send us Fan Mail What do the numbers really tell us about surrogacy in Australia? Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, reveals some eye-opening statistics from the Law Council of Australia's recent surrogacy conference that raise serious questions about citizenship, statelessness, and why Australia's surrogacy rate is double that of New Zealand.  In this episode of the Australian Family & Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen breaks down data from the Australian Law Reform Commission showing that dozens of children born through overseas surrogacy may have been denied Australian citizenship—potentially rendering them stateless. He also examines surprising comparative data showing Australia has twice the per capita surrogacy birth rate of New Zealand and explores possible reasons behind this significant difference.  📌 Key Topics Covered:  ✅ 761 children acquired Australian citizenship through surrogacy in 2024  ✅ 15-40 children each year may be denied citizenship or have applications withdrawn  ✅ Why some surrogacy-born children become stateless  ✅ Identity verification issues with Department of Home Affairs  ✅ Australia vs New Zealand surrogacy rates: a shocking comparison  ✅ Why Australia has double the per capita surrogacy births  ✅ Possible factors: IVF subsidies, cultural practices, migration patterns, and publicity  ✅ Insights from the Law Council surrogacy conference  💼 Need expert fertility law advice? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/ Understanding citizenship and legal parentage is critical when pursuing international surrogacy. If you're considering surrogacy—whether in Australia or overseas—get proper legal advice to ensure your child won't face citizenship or identity issues down the track. 👍 If you found this episode helpful, leave us a review — it helps other families find the podcast when they need it most.   #SurrogacyAustralia #AustralianCitizenship #InternationalSurrogacy #FertilityLaw #SurrogacyStatistics #CitizenshipIssues #ParentageOrders #OverseasSurrogacy #AustralianLaw #FertilityLawyer #SurrogacyLegal #IntendedParents #FamilyLawAustralia #SurrogacyRights #LegalAdvice #AustralianFamilyLaw #SurrogacyJourney #CitizenshipByDescent #IVFAustralia #SurrogacySupport Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    6 min

  6. MAR 13

    3 Countries You Should Never Use for Surrogacy

    Send us Fan Mail Which countries should you absolutely avoid for international surrogacy? Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers, breaks down Israel's groundbreaking "naughty list" approach to protecting intended parents and surrogates from exploitation. In this episode of the Australian Family & Fertility Law Podcast, Stephen discusses Israel's decision to blacklist three specific countries for surrogacy—Albania, North Cyprus, and Kenya—and why this targeted approach may be more effective than blanket bans. Learn about the serious concerns around surrogate exploitation, trafficking risks, and lack of legal protections in these jurisdictions, and why Israel now refuses citizenship to children born through surrogacy in these locations. 📌 Key Topics Covered:  ✅ Israel's three-country surrogacy blacklist explained  ✅ Why Albania, North Cyprus, and Kenya made the list  ✅ Concerns about surrogate exploitation and trafficking  ✅ The problem with unregulated commercial surrogacy  ✅ North Cyprus surrogacy risks (Lloyd v Compton case insights)  ✅ Kenya's proposed ban on commercial surrogacy  ✅ Why targeted country lists work better than blanket bans  ✅ Australia's approach to overseas commercial surrogacy 💼 Need expert fertility law advice? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/  International surrogacy carries significant legal, ethical, and practical risks. Before considering any overseas surrogacy arrangement, understand the laws in both the destination country and Australia, and ensure you're protecting both yourself and the surrogate from exploitation.  👍 If you found this episode helpful, leave us a review — it helps other families find the show when they need it most. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    4 min

  7. MAR 11

    Self-Represented Litigant in Family Court Australia: What You NEED to Know First

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about representing yourself in family court but unsure where to start? In this episode of the Page Provan Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast, Managing Director Bruce Provan breaks down everything you need to know about self-representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Bruce explains the rise of self-represented litigants, the option of unbundled legal services where you handle some tasks while a lawyer assists with others, and the critical protections available under Section 102NA for parties in domestic violence cases. Whether cost is a factor or you're simply weighing your options, this episode provides practical guidance on when to represent yourself, when to seek legal help, and how to navigate the family law system strategically. 📌 Key Topics Covered:  ✅ Why self-representation is becoming more common in family court  ✅ Unbundled legal services: Getting help only where you need it  ✅Section 102NA explained: Free legal representation at final hearings  ✅ Special protections in domestic violence cases  ✅ How to reduce legal costs while protecting your interests  ✅Strategic advice for different stages of your case  ✅When you should absolutely get legal advice (even if self-representing) 💼 Need expert family law advice? Visit Page Provan Family & Fertility Lawyers: https://pageprovan.com.au/ Self-representation can work for some people, but understanding your rights, the court process, and available support is essential. Don't go into family court proceedings without at least initial legal advice to ensure you're making informed decisions. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to the Page Provan Australian Family and Fertility Law Podcast for expert insights! 💬 Have questions about self-representation? Leave a comment—we read every one! ⭐ Rate and review if you found this episode helpful! Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    5 min

  8. MAR 6

    Surrogacy Reform Wishlist: What Australia Needs to Change

    Send us Fan Mail For every child born through surrogacy in Australia, four are born overseas. And it's not because Australians want to leave—it's because our laws are forcing them out. Stephen Page of Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers has spent 15 years fighting for reform. A decade ago, a House of Representatives committee recommended urgent national change. A decade later? Australia still has eight different surrogacy laws, discriminatory Medicare exclusions, and women who won't volunteer to be surrogates because they're the only ones not paid. This is Stephen's comprehensive wishlist for how Australian surrogacy law must change—and why the Australian Law Reform Commission's 2026 final report could finally fix it. 🔑 In this podcast, you'll discover: ·       Why Australia's patchwork of eight different state laws is costing families thousands in unnecessary legal fees and delays ·       How Tasmania's absurd requirement that everyone live in Tasmania has families tearing apart ·       The "dead rat in the wall": Medicare excludes surrogacy benefits while covering every other fertility treatment (costing just $1 million to fix) ·       Why surrogacy arrangements must be legally binding contracts—like they are in Canada and the US ·       How "limping parentage" leaves children vulnerable when surrogates appear on birth certificates but aren't the genetic mother ·       Stephen's fight for automatic parentage recognition at birth—and the hospital nightmare that proved why it matters ·       The critical role human rights discourse must play in every surrogacy journey ·       Why decriminalisation matters: these laws haven't prosecuted anyone in 20 years, yet they terrify intended parents into going overseas From access and consistency to autonomy and international recognition—this is the roadmap for reform. 📌 Read Stephen's full 100+ page submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission: 🔗 https://www.pageprovan.com.au 👉 Subscribe for updates as the ALRC's final report approaches in July 2026  💬 Which reform would make the biggest difference? Let us know in the comments. Made by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

    10 min
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Join Award-Winning Family & Surrogacy Lawyers, Bruce Provan and Stephen Page who interviews lawyers, doctors, counsellors, parents, surrogates, scientists, donors and others who are the moving parts bringing together the ability to form families through surrogacy, and when families fall apart. Interviewees talk about their personal journeys through life, leading to their passion in their respective fields.

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