How Much Does Adoption Cost: An Overview and Guide

The primary factor that influences the potential costs and expenses behind the adoption process in the United States is the type of adoption. Relevant institutions first categorize them as domestic and intercountry. This article will primarily deal with domestic adoptions.

Then, domestic adoptions can be categorized in three ways, according to the channels through which the entire process is done. These are:

• Public agency adoption

• Private agency adoption

• Independent adoption

We will quickly summarize each of them and provide a primer on their associated costs and expenses.

The cost of adoption through a public agency is minimal. You can expect very few, if any, fees and expenses. The actual funding comes from the government directly or the state.

This is done through the Federal Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, which is supposed to provide financial assistance to promote adoption, i.e., reduce financial barriers to adoption.

Children that are eligible for adoption through this system can receive a monthly subsidy from the government, as well as full access to Medicaid. The subsidy is administered by the state and lasts until the child turns 18. The adoption subsidy rates vary by state and from case to case.

Finally, some parents are eligible for a one-time reimbursement, which is also part of this adoption assistance program. This payment is limited by the Federal Government to a maximum of $2,000. However, not all states offer a smaller reimbursement.

Note that this payment, meant to help out with the average cost of adoption, is dependent on your actual costs and is supposed to cover adoption fees your state deems reasonable and necessary. So this can include attorney fees, court costs, and any other expenses related to the adoption process.

This adoption process type includes direct communication between the adoptive parents and a private agency. Note that these agencies, while not under direct federal or state control, need to fulfill certain standards and own appropriate licenses.

These agencies often offer more assistance than public ones, although exact services vary from agency to agency. They can provide prospective parents with training and support groups, as well as ongoing therapy and counseling.

Subsequently, the price of these services can range between $30,000 and $60,000. Again, it's difficult to specify exactly how much adoption costs if you go down this route due to the wide variety of services you might need. Some of these fees include a wide variety of services, like court fees, legal fees, a home study, pre- and post-adoption counseling, social work services, supervision, and so on.

The fees can differ based on a variety of factors. Certain agencies adjust their fees based on parent incomes, whether you own your home or not, and your finances, to name a few. Others reduce or raise their expenses based on the services that might or might not be required.

As an example, an agency might only need to facilitate the adoption process and provide counseling in cases where the adoptive parents already have a relationship with the birth parents.

Some agencies might charge extra for home studies which can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Others might include the costs of court documentation fees ($500 to $2,000), and the cost of legal representation ($4,500), within the general cost of domestic adoption.

Finally, independent adoption involves the parents being assisted and represented by an attorney during the entire process. These fees can range anywhere between $25,000 and $45,000. The actual cost, and services, differ from case to case.

For example, the above sum can include a home study but may not include additional court fees.

There is also a potential advertising expense that adds to the average adoption cost. If adoptive parents choose to advertise their search, they might have to pay a sum between $500 and $5,000. Note that some states include restrictions or outright forbid this type of advertising.

There are certain non-profit organizations, like The Cradle’s Ardythe and Gale Sayers Center for African American Adoption. These organizations provide financial assistance to parents who, for example, want to adopt an African American child or simply provide assistance to families who wish to match their adoptive child’s race.

While there is a significant number of costs and fees surrounding adoption, making the average cost of adoption in the U.S. difficult to figure out, note that many of them can be relieved, at least partially.

Adopting a child through public agencies is the least expensive route, in some cases even being free. Private adoption agencies are costly, but they do offer a wide variety of extra services to parents. Whereas independent adoption gives the parents the most amount of control.

Finally, keep an eye out for government subsidies and non-profit organizations that might help you with certain expenses.