Adopting Can Be Expensive: Here Are the Costs that Add Up

Adoption is a good way for some people to become parents when they cannot through other means or would simply like to provide a home for a child in need. Growing your family through adoption can be explosive, though, which is why it’s so important to know how much you’ll spend and how to prepare for the adoption.

In 2019, it was determined that the average cost of adoption through foster care was only $2,600, but the average cost of a private adoption reached between $20,000 and $45,000. These costs may cover agency costs, the cost of working with a social worker, legal fees and more.

With such a large disparity in the costs among private or foster care adoptions, it’s important for you to think about not only who you want to adopt but also the budget that you have in mind.

What Costs Will You Need to Pay During an Adoption?

Depending on the adoption type, you could have to pay fees such as:

• A home study fee

• Attorney fees

• Agency application fees

• Birth family counseling fees

• Adoption consultant fees

• Health care or travel expense fees for the birth mother

• Post-placement expenses

• Personal travel expenses

• Passport/visa costs for international adoptions

International adoptions are usually the most costly, though they can be on par with some private domestic adoptions. International fees usually fall between $25,000 and $70,000. In international cases, home study fees are still necessary. There are added fees as well, such as those for medical examinations or documents to prepare the child to come to America.

Making a Budget Is Important During Your Adoption

To make adoption easier, you need to have a budget that you can stick with. You can go over this budget with your attorney or the adoption agency so that they’re aware of the money you have to spend and can give you ideas on the best way to adopt. There are some additional items to factor into your budget, such as the Adoption Tax Credit, too, so make sure you understand the full financial implications before deciding on the way you’d like to adopt.