Adoption Expenses State Laws and Fees

Adoption
Expenses

State Laws and Fees

Before Coming Home

Immediate Needs

Legal Costs

Legal Challenges

Help with
Expenses

Financial Resources

Tax Credit

Dependency Exemption

Employee Benefits

Family/Medical Leave

Military Subsidies

Sliding-Scale Fees

Taxes on Assistance

Loans

State Laws and Fees

Since adoption is governed by state statute, each state makes its own laws, and each agency or other entity assisting in the adoption process sets its own fees for adoption services. When adopting a child of Native American heritage, the specific tribe likely will have their own adoption laws and procedures. If you're considering adopting a child from another country, you will find that each country's laws and requirements vary.

Unfortunately, at this time, there is no central rating service that checks on adoption agencies. You can call your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against a particular agency or adoption intermediary. In addition, your state or county social services department should be able to provide you with the name of the government entity that oversees adoption to verify the reputation of an adoption agency or intermediary. Also, talk to families who have adopted and to members of adoptive parent support groups to get recommendations or warnings about the agencies in your area.

Richard and Tina and Henry and Linda have been advised to:

Some expenses are common to nearly all adoptions. Whether the Johnsons and Riveras choose to adopt an infant through a private agency or an independent intermediary, adopt a waiting child through a public or private agency, or do an international adoption, they can expect pre-adoption, placement, and post-placement expenses. Common fees are described in the following sections.

More about Adoption Expenses