How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?

Cost is a major concern for many prospective adoptive parents. The average cost of adoption varies considerably, with private domestic options typically spanning $20,000 – $45,000. Families who adopt directly from foster care may pay less than $2,500 in fees and expenses, while those who adopt internationally can expect to spend $25,000 or more.

Private Domestic Adoption: $20,000 – $45,000: The price of domestic infant adoption through a private agency varies significantly. Fees and expenses differ among agencies, and prospective parents may be required to pay legal, medical, and counseling costs, in addition to home study fees.
Adoption from Foster Care: $0 – $2,500: Foster care adoption tends to have the lowest fees. Those who adopt from foster care must pay a home study fee, along with any additional fees required in their state. However, these families may qualify for state or federal adoption grants, which can cover some or all costs.
International Adoption: $25,000 – $50,000+: Prospective parents seeking an international adoption must pay fees to both their agency in the U.S. and agencies in their chosen country. These fees vary considerably among countries. Families must also cover the cost of traveling to and from their chosen country, including flights, food, and lodging.

What’s Included? A Detailed Breakdown of Adoption Fees

There is no flat cost associated with any type of adoption. The total sums described above actually consist of many smaller charges and fees. These factors can vary, depending on the adoption path you choose. In this section, we take a look at some of the main expenses that make up the total average cost of adoption.

Agency Fees: Agency fees, like application and intake screening fees, cover an agency’s operational costs, such as helping birth mothers match with adoptive families and paying social workers and other employees.. Adoption agencies also use the income from these fees to provide clients with parent training and other services and to cover advertising costs.
The Home Study Fee: During a home study, a licensed social worker interviews prospective parents and inspects their home to ensure that they are capable of providing a child with a safe, stable environment. Home study fees are used to compensate the social worker for their time.
Legal Fees: These fees cover the cost of hiring an attorney to prepare and file legal documents, finalize the adoption, and, if necessary, represent the family in court. These fees vary considerably between domestic and international adoptions. Legal costs may also be higher for contested adoptions.
Birth Mother Expenses: Families that choose private domestic adoption may be legally required to pay some of the birth mother’s expenses, such as certain medical bills, living expenses, counseling, and pregnancy-related necessities. These costs are determined by state law and vary from state to state. Prospective parents may pay these fees directly to vendors, through an adoption agency, or through an attorney.
Travel Expenses: Travel expenses, including plane tickets, lodging, and food, make up a significant portion of the total cost of an international adoption. However, individuals pursuing an out-of-state adoption must also account for travel costs like gas and accommodations.
Post-Placement Supervision Fees: Families must usually complete a state-mandated series of home assessments before an adoption is finalized. Post-placement supervision fees are used to pay the social worker who performs these visits.

Why Do Adoption Costs Vary?

Every adoption journey is different, and multiple variables can affect adoption costs. Agency fees, type of adoption, the child’s place of origin, and legal expenses can all impact how much prospective parents ultimately pay to adopt.

Type of Adoption

Adoption type is the largest factor affecting cost. International adoptions typically cost the most, due to travel expenses, higher fees, and more complex legal aspects. Domestic adoptions are less expensive. Adopting from foster care is usually the most affordable option.

Agency Chosen

Each adoption agency charges slightly different fees for their services, depending on their size and scope of resources. In addition, for-profit agencies may charge higher fees than nonprofit organizations.

Legal Complexity

When an adoption is contested, prospective parents may face additional legal fees and court costs. Inter-state adoptions can also be more expensive, due to their legal complexities.

State or Country of Origin

International adoption fees differ worldwide, with expenses varying significantly among countries. Families calculating domestic private adoption costs must also factor in the cost of living in the birth mother’s state.

You Can Afford Adoption: Financial Assistance and Resources

While adoption can be expensive, adoption financing resources are available to help prospective parents build the family they dream of. From adoption grants to crowdfunding and employer-based financial aid, there are a variety of ways families can find funding for their adoption journey.

The Federal Adoption Tax Credit

The federal Adoption Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that covers up to $16,810 in adoption expenses for the 2024 tax year. Qualifying parents must meet income eligibility requirements. The IRS website offers a detailed breakdown of the adoption tax credit.

Adoption Grants and Loans

Many nonprofit groups provide adoption grants to help prospective parents cover costs. Grants are monetary gifts that do not need to be refunded. In addition, some organizations and private lenders offer low-interest adoption loans. Unlike grants, loans must eventually be paid back.

Employer-Provided Adoption Benefits

Some companies offer resources, including financial aid, for employees who are interested in adoption. Contact your employer’s human resources department to find out if your benefits package includes financial assistance or paid leave for adoptive parents.

Fundraising and Crowdsourcing

Some families use fundraising strategies to help cover costs. While some prospective parents hold garage or bake sales, others seek donations through religious or civic organizations, or crowdsourcing sites like Patreon and GoFundMe.

Creating a Realistic Adoption Budget

Understanding adoption fees and expenses can help you develop a comprehensive budget for your family’s journey. While we’ve outlined some of the most common expenses in this article, it’s important to consider unexpected costs as you create your budget. If you’re considering using an adoption agency, request a fee schedule to help outline expenses further.

The Value Beyond the Cost

While the expenses associated with adoption can seem overwhelming at first, it is impossible to put a price tag on a loving family. No matter your budget, adoption financing is available from a variety of sources to help you build the family of your dreams.