Adoption Fees Explained [Budgeting for Your Adoption Journey]
You’ve probably already thought about holding your baby in your arms for the very first time. But to get to that point, you’ll need to understand the various adoption fees. Each agency has its own payment structure and schedule, so you’ll want to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs when deciding which to work with.
Our adoption fees are designed to ensure you are equipped for a successful adoption journey. You can get a free consultation with one of our adoptive family coordinators to learn more about our agency fees. Just fill out our short contact form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get started.
What Are Adoption Fees?
Private adoption fees cover the cost of the adoption process, which includes legal services, a home study, agency fees, travel expenses, living expenses for the expecting parents and more. These fees can vary significantly depending on the agency you work with and the specific circumstances of the adoption.
Here is a breakdown of adoption fees at our private domestic adoption agency:
Adoption Fees
At American Adoptions of Colorado, we charge fees to cover the services we provide. These services include:
-
Advertising to find adoption opportunities
-
Counseling for expecting parents
-
Adoptive family education
-
Adoption case management
-
Print and video adoptive family profile creation
-
Post-placement support
-
And more
Unlike other adoption agencies, we won’t charge you more later on in the process and derail your budget. This means you can plan your finances with confidence and focus on the joy of growing your family.
Variable Costs
Most variable costs depend on the expecting parents’ needs. Typically, you will cover the pregnant woman’s:
-
Medical Costs: Pregnancy-related healthcare is covered through insurance and adoption fees paid by the adoptive family.
-
Legal Expenses: The adoptive family is responsible for their own attorney fees as well as the expecting parents’ legal representation.
-
Living Expenses: The adoptive family may cover living expenses for the expecting parents, such as housing, groceries and maternity clothes.
Variable costs are expenses that will depend on the unique circumstances of your adoption. Other agencies may quote you an average estimate for your adoption journey, rather than factoring in all potential costs. High quality agencies will never shy away from ensuring you understand every individual cost associated with adoption.
How Much Is It to Adopt a Newborn?
The Child Welfare Information Gateway from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that private adoptions start at $30,000. However, since every adoption opportunity looks different, so there is no singular adoption fee amount to reference. The total cost of your adoption will depend on the agency you work with, the specific services the agency provides, legal fees, living expenses for the pregnant woman and more.
Choosing the right adoption agency is crucial as their average adoption fees and payment plans can significantly impact your overall costs. It’s essential to research your options thoroughly. Compare agencies, inquire about all potential fees and seek transparency regarding what services are included in their fees.
Is Adoption Free?
No, private adoption is not free. Because a variety of professionals are involved in the process — adoption attorneys, social workers, administrators, advertisers, and more — you will need to budget for the cost of adoption. However, private adoption does offer the opportunity to adopt a newborn or infant, giving you the chance to experience the joys of being a new parent.
Some types of adoption cost more than others, so you may want to determine how you’d like to grow your family. For instance, international adoption can be very expensive. Your travel expenses will likely be higher, and you will need to pay for additional documentation.
Choosing the Right Private Adoption Agency
As a licensed private adoption agency, we’re regulated by state and federal authorities. When you choose American Adoptions of Colorado, you can depend on our:
Financial Protection
The best agencies offer adoption disruption insurance to safeguard your finances in case expecting parents choose not to proceed with the adoption. Unlike other agencies that “roll over” your funds into the next adoption opportunity, we provide a refund if you decide to work with another agency or take a break following an adoption disruption.
Honest and Comprehensive Price Estimates
At American Adoptions of Colorado, we prioritize honesty and transparency. We believe that you need to fully understand the costs upfront to prepare effectively for the adoption process. Adoption is an investment in your family’s future, and we want to help you become a parent.
Our dedicated staff members are ready to answer your questions and help you get started on your adoption journey. To speak with an adoptive family coordinator today, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online contact form.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.