Mary Catherine Barrett

For over 25 years, Attorney Mary Catherine Barrett has specialized exclusively in surrogacy and adoption law. Mary Catherine provides compassionate, confidential assistance to young women looking to place their child for adoption, as well as families seeking to adopt domestically. In addition, she has assisted in the complicated process of international adoption with countries including Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Morocco, and India.
 
Her training in surrogacy law began in California in 1992 working with Noel Keane, the “father of surrogate parenting.” She then returned to Ohio to start private practice. She is an Adjunct Professor of Surrogacy and Adoption Law at Case Western Reserve School of Law.
 
She has successfully assisted in over 650 domestic adoption arrangements. In addition, she has established parental rights for intended parents through surrogacy arrangements in over 10 counties in Ohio where it was a case of first impression. Mary Catherine is a frequent presenter speaking on topics including private placement adoptions, international adoptions, ovum donor legislation, and legality and enforceability of surrogate parenting contracts. Other speaking engagements have included presentations to high schools throughout Ohio, hospitals, churches and support groups. She welcomes the opportunity to educate and inform the community about myths and realities associated with adoption and surrogacy. Mary Catherine has published articles utilized by the Ohio State Bar Association and local bar associations.
 
Her non-profit involvement has mirrored her law practice, focusing on providing aid and assistance to children in Russian and Brazilian orphanages, coordinating gifts to mothers and children in community shelters, and transporting foreign children for adoption. Mary Catherine Barrett’s professional associations and memberships include American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Ohio Bar Association, Cuyahoga County Bar Association, COSE and Playhouse Square.
 
Mary Catherine welcomes your questions and encourages you to contact her to discuss your surrogacy and adoption needs.