They saved and scrimped, asked friends and family for help, and even took out loans worth tens of thousands of dollars. Their goal was clear – to raise enough money to pay for a surrogate and fulfill their dream of having a child. However, hundreds of hopeful parents across California, the U.S., and beyond found themselves in a nightmare when they learned that the funds they had entrusted to a Texas-based escrow company, Surrogacy Escrow Account Management (SEAM), were inaccessible and likely gone.
Chris Kettmann, a resident of Fair Oaks, Calif., shared his story of having $45,000 in their escrow account, meant for their surrogate who is due in October. The uncertainty of the situation left them with more questions than answers, wondering if there was any way to recover their lost funds.
The situation escalated when police in Houston opened an investigation, followed by the FBI looking into the matter. The affected parents and surrogates, including a married same-sex couple from Washington, D.C., and a couple from Los Feliz, felt the financial blow of losing significant amounts of money meant for their surrogates’ care and compensation.
The focus shifted to SEAM’s owner, Dominique Side, who has been described as an entrepreneur with various businesses in the Houston area. Side’s actions and financial dealings have raised suspicions, leading to lawsuits from cash advance lenders and freezing of accounts. The extent of the financial mismanagement and the impact on surrogates and intended parents have left many devastated and searching for answers.
The emotional toll of the situation is evident in the stories shared by affected individuals, like the Los Feliz couple who turned to surrogacy after facing multiple miscarriages and the heartbreaking loss of their newborn. The uncertainty and financial strain have pushed many to seek legal recourse and share their experiences in a private Facebook group dedicated to those impacted by SEAM’s collapse.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, questions about SEAM’s financial practices, revenue sources, and the fate of the missing funds continue to linger. The mounting lawsuits and allegations of fraud have cast a shadow of doubt on the once reputable escrow company, leaving many struggling parents and surrogates in a state of limbo.
For those with ongoing pregnancies and hopes of expanding their families through surrogacy, the urgency to address the financial losses and find solutions is paramount. The ripple effects of SEAM’s collapse have resonated across state lines and international borders, underscoring the need for better regulatory oversight and safeguards in the surrogacy industry.
In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, affected parents like Chris Kettmann and Arielle Mitton are rallying support from their communities, exploring alternative payment options, and staying resilient in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who have embarked on the journey of surrogacy, holding onto hope and the belief that brighter days lie ahead.