Adopting a child can be very expensive, but some options are more affordable than others. Families should consider their own circumstances to determine which method of adoption they can afford.
Private Adoption
Private adoption can be expensive. The cost varies depending on the agreement with the birth mother and the cost of legal fees. Adoptive parents are typically responsible for the medical costs of the mother and the baby and for legal fees. Private adoption can cost up to $40,000.
Agency Adoption
Adopting a child through an adoption agency can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000. The cost varies in different states and for different adoption agencies.
International Adoption
International adoption typically includes the cost of traveling to the country of the child's birth and is often one of the more expensive options, costing up to $30,000.
Adopting From Foster Care
Adopting a child from the U.S. foster care system is one of the most affordable adoption options. With state subsidies, a child can sometimes be adopted from foster care at very little cost to the adoptive parents.
Funding Adoption
Adoptive parents who cannot afford the fees associated with adoption can consider hosting an adoption fundraiser. Many families opt to hold yard sales, bake sales or cookbook sales to offset the cost of adoption. Getting a second job or borrowing money from family members may also be an option.
Tags: Adopting child, cost varies, foster care, from foster care, legal fees