There are so many reasons why people adopt. Some can’t have children of their own, some want to welcome more children into their home, while others feel led to adopt children who have been in foster care for far too long. Whatever the reason for adopting, it’s no secret that adopting a child is expensive. How much does it cost to adopt a child? We’ll break it down a bit for you.
Keep in mind that domestic adoptions and international adoptions vary in price, so understand this difference when you’re going through the adoption process.
How Much Does It Cost To Adopt a Child?
There are factors to consider when it comes to the adoption process. If you’re adopting through an adoption agency, the fees will be higher.
The fees and process to adopt a child will also vary depending on the state or country you reside in. Some states have no fee to adopt for families adopting a child they’ve been fostering.
Through an adoption agency, fees for domestic adoption can range from $15,000 to upwards of $30,000. For private adoptions, the fees can range and can cost up to $50,000.
International adoptions will also be on the higher end as well, typically ranging from $30,000-$80,000.
How to choose an adoption agency
Just like all choices in life, do your research when deciding what adoption agency to work with. You want to find one that is reputable and one that is open about their process and fees.
Also, be sure to ask for a detailed list of what you’re paying for to avoid surprises at the end. Some questions to ask include:
- What are the expected expenses related to the birth parent that you’re going to be required to pay?
- What portion of the fees are related to paperwork/filing/etc.?
- Does the agency help with paperwork and the filing process?
- Are there fees that are refundable and non-refundable?
These are just a few questions to ask and get an answer to before moving forward.
Are there other fees to consider besides agency fees in the adoption process?
There are “soft fees” you’ll have to cover as well. Travel expenses are not part of the agency fee, and anytime you travel, factor in those costs, too.
That also includes meals, lodging, etc., as well. These fees are ones that will vary as well and can quickly add to the cost if you have to travel far or out of the country.
Other costs to keep in mind are legal fees or even counseling services depending on the child’s age and needs.
Figuring out the cost of adopting a child is important so you can plan and move forward. Working with a trustworthy and honest agency is key to helping you during the process. Ask your questions and be prepared so you can quickly decide your best path.
While the price of adoption is steep, the end result of welcoming them into your family is absolutely priceless!