How Much It Costs To Adopt A Baby
How Much It Costs To Adopt A Baby
One of the most common questions I get asked about the adoption process is how much does it cost and the second most common is how did you pay for your adoption check out that post here. Unfortunately there is no fast and easy answer for both of those questions, as the options to adopt vary greatly and there is very little current information available. Below I am going to give you an outline on the costs to adopt a child based on research I have done, talking with adoption professionals from each of the different ways to adopt a child, and my own personal experience. If you would like to get this information compiled into one quick reference guide, click below to have it emailed to you.
Why does it cost so much to adopt?
The sad truth about adoption is that there are still businesses and costs involved, even if you are adopting through foster care there are still costs. Since there are multiple agencies and government entities that you work through (even if you are not using an agency to adopt from) they each have their own fees and processes that you must follow. No matter what adoption route you choose, it is important to know where your money is going in the adoption process so you can ensure you are protected. To truly understand how much it costs to adopt it is important to understand all of the fees associated with the adoption process.
The typical fees in the adoption process include:
Application
Background Check
Home Study
Profile Building
Matching
Advertising (if using Private Agency or Private Attorney)
Attorney or Agency
Court
There are two important ways you can protect your adoption investment:
Know how your adoption budget is being spent. While there is typically little you can do to reduce the fees it is important to understand if you are required to renew any of these fees each year, as you typically are required to by law, so you can ensure you have a clear picture of how that will impact your budget.
Ask if there is a risk sharing policy available with your desired adoption option. As with anything in life there is risk, but the risk in the adoption process is not only emotional but financial. When you consider that the average private adoption is $20,000 - $50,000 that is often one of the main reasons that prospective adoptive parents shy away from adoption. However, I will share that the adoption agency we adopted both our children from offered a risk sharing policy, which meant if the expectant mother changed her mind (which happened to us) then you are not out your entire fee structure.
What Happens if there is an Adoption Disruption?
Another scary question in the adoption process is what if the Expectant Mother changes her mind? This obviously is scary for two reasons: emotionally it is like having your heart torn out of your chest and put into a blender (at least that was my personal experience) AND what happens to your investment. The answer to the second question is again, it varies based on what adoption path and partner you have chosen.
We adopted through an agency, American Adoptions, who offer a Risk Sharing policy. At the time we adopted you were able to purchase an “insurance policy” for $500 and if the expectant mother changed her mind before finalization you were only out the $500 plus any applicable travel expenses. In some cases the travel expenses can be deducted from your taxes upon finalization of the adoption. I AM NOT AN ACCOUNTANT and tax code changes every year, so please research that aspect yourself. So while we had the emotional trauma from our disruption knowing that our funds were safe gave us the peace of mind and strength to continue in the journey.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt?
One last thing before we answer the question “How Much Does it Cost to Adopt” let’s first give a quick refresher on the types of adoption that we will cover:
International Adoption is the process of becoming the legal parent of a child from a country other than your own. To read more about International Adoption click here .
Foster Care Adoption is the process of adopting a child from the state that the child resides in, which is typically the state you reside in as well. A child is available for adoption from Foster Care once the biological parents rights have been terminated. To read more about the Foster Care Adoption process click here.
Private Attorney Adoption is where the prospective adoptive parents find their own expectant mother that wants to place her child for adoption and the attorney files the paperwork for the adoption. There are also cases where Private Adoption Attorneys have expectant mothers that they are working with directly and are seeking adoptive parents. To learn more about adopting with a private attorney click here.
Private Agency Adoption involves working with an adoption agency to find an expectant mother that is looking to place her child for adoption. To read more about the Private Agency Adoption Process click here. https://www.myadoptioncoach.com/blog/howtoadoptwithaprivateagency
Angel Baby Adoption or Embryo Adoption: Embryo Adoption allows a biological family that has completed forming their family to choose an adoptive family to give their embryos to which is technically an adoption. If you are looking for more information on this type of adoption click here.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt Internationally?
This might be the trickiest of all the forms of adoption due to the international laws changing so often, no matter where you are in the process. The cost for international adoption ranges from $5,000 -$50,000 plus your travel expenses. Most countries also have a residency or “semi-resident” policy meaning that you might need to come live in the country for a period of time to bond with the child before they will approve the adoption.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt from Foster Care?
Foster Care Adoption requirements and fees vary from state to state, however most states say the range is $5,000 - $15,000 and in some states you can even adopt from the Foster Care system for free. It is important to keep in mind that some states require you to be Foster Parents prior to adoption while other states do not.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt with a Private Attorney?
Private Attorney Adoption ranges from $8,000 - $40,000 with the majority of Private Attorney Adoptions falling between $10,000 - $15,000. Don’t forget with this option you typically need to find your own Expectant Mother, most adoption attorneys do not offer this as a service any longer.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt from a Private Agency?
Private Adoption ranges from $20,000 - $50,000 which is dependent on the agency and the individual variables with each particular Expectant Mother. The average according to most Adoption companies is $43,000.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt an Angel Baby or Embryo?
Embryo Adoption or Angel Baby adoption is the rare form of adoption that can actually be partially covered by your medical insurance if you are carrying the child. The costs for adopting an embryo are typically $5,000 - $15,000 but there are limited numbers available. Additionally the agencies that specialize in this are rare so it is important to do your research. One secret pro-tip is that sometimes your fertility clinic will offer this as a waiting list option. Again, due to the rare nature it is something you should talk to your fertility specialist about even before all your doors are closed if you are interested in this option.
The next question you might be thinking is “How Can I Pay for my Adoption?” That question is so popular that there are tons of articles and ideas available, here is an in depth article on how to creatively raise $5,000 - $50,000 to fund your adoption click here to read 25 Adoption Fundraising Ideas, but below are some quick ideas to get you started.
5 Adoption Fundraising Ideas to Pay For your Adoption:
Adoption T-Shirt Fundraiser
Virtual Silent Auction
Grants/Scholarships
Personal Assistant
Delivery Driver
The best advice we received while funding our adoption was not to go into debt to adopt a child as you have a lifetime of expenses ahead of you once the child is home. Here is another great article that gives you 10 Adoption Fundraising Ideas that Aren’t T-Shirts click here
If none of those options interest you, don't forget to check out the fundraising ideas list that you can download at the link below. Remember this is not a sprint, it is a marathon and good marathoners need a good coach. No matter what adoption route you pick don’t go it alone. If you need to chat or get some advice I am only an email away, amanda@myadoptioncoach.com
You can do this and I have got your back!
Hi, I Am Amanda
I help women build their families through adoption by giving them the step by step guide to adopt a child and support them on their journey