Adoption Costs

Adopting from the U.S. foster care system is generally the least expensive type of adoption, usually involving little or no cost, and states often provide subsidies to adoptive parents. Stepparent and kinship adoptions can often be completed for $1,500 to $2,500.

Agency and private adoptions can range from $8,000 to $30,000 or more depending on a variety of factors including services provided, travel expenses, birthmother expenses, requirements in the state, and other factors. International adoptions can range from $11,000 to $30,000.

When asking an adoption professional about fees, be sure you know what fees do and do not include, such as: lawyers fees, travel expenses, homestudy fees, birthmother living expenses (if legal in that state), birthmother medical expenses and placement fee.

While there may be a small fee required up front, any requirement that all fees be paid immediately following application should raise red flags. When talking with your professional, ask about the payment schedule, and about sliding scale fees if your financial resources are limited.

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