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Source: http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/

Date: March 16 2006 at 6:58 PM
Posted by: cazlou (Login cazlou)

The agency I am working with tells me I don't need to get my own lawyer, as their legal agreement is the one that is used. Has anyone else used Shelley Smith's agency and not had their own separate lawyer?


Aliza

Source: http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/

Date: March 16 2006 at 7:08 PM
Posted by: Cara (Login cara41)

or not you get your own lawyer with Shelley Smith. It's her way or the highway. Her contracts are largely non-negotiable and heavily weighted to protect her not you.

A friend of mine (who is a lawyer) used her agency and was horrified by the contract. If you want more information - e-mail me and I'll cut and paste some of her thoughts on how she was treated...or I can just post it here if you like.

Cara

Source: http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/me ... +review....

Date: March 16 2006 at 8:00 PM
Posted by: Josephine (no login)

their agreemenet and she pointed out so many problems and Shelley's office was so unyielding and rude at that that my DH and I decided - the lawyer did not make the decision for us - that we just were too uncomfortable. Shelley's office also told us that they would not allow the donor to work with our clinic. Rather, we would have to go to a clinic selected by them for the transfer. We thought that was unbelievable but we later discovered that she has a relationship with a particular clinic on the east coast and sends all her donors there. They had no right to interfere with our medical choice. Believe me, we were really glad we escaped.

Source: http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/me ... +agency....

Date: March 17 2006 at 12:43 AM
Posted by: Hopeful (no login)

but I would never sign such a hefty contract without having a lawyer look at it. Even if no changes are allowed, at least you would know what you are getting yourself into.

Source:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/me ... T+A+LAWYER

Date: March 17 2006 at 6:05 AM
Posted by: kelli (no login)

Hey there. This is just my opinion, but I would get a lawyer. Now. Before you sign anything. Here's the deal with Shelly Smith. Yes, your legal fees for your donor contract are covered in her agency fee. HOWEVER you are signing a contract with her agency too and need to use an independent lawyer to review it. Her contract is VERY donor-friendly. That may not bother you, but I took issue with the fact that she could share any info she wanted about my cycle with the donor or future donors if she wanted to. Her fees are quite steep and non-forgiving if the donor doesn't go to retrieval. I'm not saying don't use her, just be sure you understand every word in that contract.

kelli

Source:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/me ... that+true-

Date: March 17 2006 at 6:55 AM
Posted by: Aliza (Login AlizaG)


Response to Agency tell me I don't need a lawyer - is that true?

They're saying that because they know that if you get a lawyer, their interests will be in jeopardy.

Shelley Smith's agency doesn't have a good reputation in this respect. Look very closely at her contract and if there is anything in it you disagree with, don't sign it. Remember, there are lots more agencies and independent donors around. This is too important a decision to be pushed, shoved, or nudged into it by a smart business woman.


Aliza

Source: http://www.network54.com/Forum/57451/

March 17 2006 at 5:26 PM
Posted by: Anonynon (no login)

You \"don't need\" a lawyer with that agency, like you \"don't need\" oxygen.

I would get a lawyer BEFORE you pay the 2K non refundable fee and BEFORE you fall in love with a particular donor. Who knows, maybe she will change?

They are in business w/ a very strong agenda.

You need to protect yourself.
They bully and push and rush, so they can put the donor on the market again and make another 5k.