Understanding the Costs
“Depending on the circumstances, adoption can cost less than $2,500 -but anticipating expenses of $25,000+ may be more relaistic”
Estimated Adoption Expenses:
(Source: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse)
Domestic Public agency Adoptions ($0 – $2,000+) provide the lowest cost option for adoption and typically place only hard to place or “special needs” children. Upfront fees rarely exceed $2,500 and many states will reimburse a significant portion of that amount. Because of the potential for these chidren to require special care, federal or state subsidies may be available to help cover ongoing expenses.
Domestic Private Agency Adoptions (to $30,000+) provide services by matching prospective parents with expectant mothers and handling paper work and legal issues. Costs include child birth expenses and agency fees. Fees are often minimized if adoptive parents locate their own birth parent independently. Inquire about your liablity for fees payed upfront for an unsuccessfull attempt to adopt. A potential advantage of Private Agencies is their experience at locating birth mothers/children and experience with the adoption process.
Domestic Independent Apotions (to $20,000+) under favorable circumstances, such as when a birth mother is readily availble, independent adoptions can be cost effective -possibly costing less than $8,000. However, advertisement costs, birth parent expenses, medical expenses, legal expenses (seperate representation expenses for the birth mother are likely to be incurred by the adoptive family) and the possibility that birth mother may change her mind without reimbursing expenses can all add up to costs comparable and even exceeding Private Agency Adoptions.
International Adoptions (often under $15,000) The fees associated with international adoptions are placed at between 7-25 thousand dollars. These costs cover agency fees, as well as immigration and legal fees. But keep in mind that the possibility of political complications, the need to make repeated international trips with potentially lengthy stays, can add up. These factors make it difficult to provide an accurate estimate of all related costs associated with international adoptions.
