What is the cost of adoption? 

Adoption is a common goal for many hopeful parents. But like any major life change, the cost can be exorbitant. Whether you are considering domestic adoption or an international one, you should make sure to factor the costs into your budget. 

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There are many ways to finance the costs of adoption, and some families have found that it is easier to take on a loan or line of credit for a few years as they work towards their goal of becoming parents. These loans can help to cover unforeseen expenses that occur in the process, such as medical or cradle care expenses, travel, legal fees and other costs associated with adopting a child. 

Finding a family to adopt is the ultimate goal of every adoption process, but it can be difficult to find a matching match. For this reason, adoption agencies and private attorneys will sometimes quote a flat fee for the entire adoption process. 

Depending on the agency, these costs can include an application fee, an adoption home study and other services. Some agencies also offer a sliding scale of adoption fees that can be adjusted based on the family’s income. 

The cost of a domestic adoption typically varies from state to state, but it can run as high as $45,000 or more for some cases. This price includes agency or attorney fees plus the application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Home Study, medical exams, conference and travel fees, and other expenses that arise during the adoption process. 

Another key component of domestic adoption is the birth parent, who will need to be covered throughout the process by the family. This will include rent, living expenses, medical care, phone calls and more. 

For a prospective birth mother, living expenses may be the most costly aspect of her financial situation during the adoption process. During the pregnancy, she may be eligible for assistance with these costs through various organizations and government programs. 

A home study is required for all adoptions in the United States and can be expensive. It is a private review of your household conducted on behalf of an adoption agency or a government agency. 

There are also other adoption-related costs, such as fees to get a child’s birth certificate and putative father registry checks. These costs will vary from state to state and can be reimbursable with federal or state aid. 

The costs of a domestic adoption can vary, but they generally range between $15,000 and $45,000, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway. 

Some adoptive families are willing to pay higher fees, as long as they receive the support and resources of a caring team. They might be willing to pay for travel, networking and advertising expenses or other related costs. 

If you are interested in learning more about the costs of adoption, you can call American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION or contact us online to speak with an adoption specialist today.