If you’ve decided to adopt a child, you may dream of holding your child in your arms and enjoying your lives together. However, you will face obstacles before your adoption dreams can come true. One obstacle for many prospective parents is the cost. According to Nashville Parent, a domestic adoption could cost up to $35,000. Let’s jump into this breakdown
Adoption Agency Fees
Many people adopting a child will utilize an adoption agency, to which you must pay a fee. Some agencies – like Catholic Charities – will base their fees on a sliding scale determined by your income. According to Gladney Center for Adoption, costs begin with a non-refundable application fee (typically, from $200 – to $500.) As part of the screening process, you will undergo a home study, which could cost about $1500. An inspector will check your home for cleanliness and safety.
Medical and Legal Expenses
In most cases, depending on the age of adoption, you will pay the medical and hospital costs of the biological mother. A fee will be to formalize the adoption and obtain a birth certificate. Some expectant mothers can’t live at home, so you must pay their living expenses. If the pregnant mother lives in a different state, you would have to arrange to go and pick up your child.
Using an Adoption Attorney
Instead of an adoption agency, some adopting couples go through an adoption attorney. This frequently occurs if the adopting couple knows or locates an expectant mother. Those adoptions typically cost less than an agency adoption. Unfortunately, according to the Gladney Center for Adoption, there have been reports of scams by pregnant women who get financial fees from more than one couple. Going through an attorney can protect the rights of everyone involved.
International Adoption Expenses
International adoptions used to be more popular, especially for singles or LGBTQ couples. These adoptions can incur high expenses, as bureaucratic details and multiple overseas trips will become expensive. Some countries – such as Russia and Ethiopia – have banned adoptions. According to the Gladney Center for Adoption, in countries where adoption is still legal, adoptive parents will be offered only toddlers or older children instead of babies.
Costs for Later Years
Although adoptive parents naturally look forward to their first few years with a new baby, prospective parents should also consider the costs involved in the child’s future years. This is especially true for children with special needs. You may have unexpected expenses if your child has special needs. However, according to Autism Parenting Magazine, 78.8% of school-aged children with autism will be doing well with at least one of their developmental skills by age 10.
Counseling May Help
During their first few months with a new baby, a couple may need help with adjustments. A woman who decides to give her baby for adoption may need help to cope with their feelings. It may interest you to know that, according to Grow Therapy, over 80% of therapists have noted an increase in first-time patients for the first time since 2023. These costs should be considered a possible expense on your adoption costs list.
Financial Help for Adoptions
If your finances are tight, you may need to find ways to finance the adoption expenses. Most states will offer an adoption tax credit for those who meet specified standards. According to Family Connections, those credits could be over $14,000 per child. If you have good credit or equity in your home, you may also be able to get a loan.
It’s a fact of life: although adoption will be a blessed event, there will be expenses involved. Knowing about projected expenses may help you prepare for your future investment in adoption. Regardless of the expenses, keep your mind on your dreams for your child, and you’ll get through the process with your sanity intact. Best wishes to you as you work to make your family’s dreams come true.