Archives for July 2021

How Much Will You Pay for a Private Domestic Adoption?

Your Guide to Private Domestic Adoption Costs

If you are one of the 20,000 families doing a private domestic adoption this year, there are many expenses to consider. Understanding the costs associated with a private adoption can help the process go a lot more smoothly.

Agency Fee

Many private domestic adoptions are done through an agency that matches you with a prospective birth mother. Agencies typically charge a fee for their service, which can range somewhere between $20,000 and $45,000. This fee will include all your other expenses, so it bundles adoption costs into a single price. Often, the only fee not included in the agency fee is the New Jersey adoption lawyer that you might want to hire to protect your own interests.

Home Study Fees

In any private domestic adoption, you will need a home study. This is a protective measure that ensures your home and your family will provide a safe environment for an adoptive child. The home study involves interviews with a social worker, a tour of your home, and other paperwork. Since the home study requires officials to do a lot of research, it can be expensive. Home studies usually cost somewhere between $900 and $3,000. It is possible to fail a home study, which would mean you might have to make some changes and retake it at a later date. This can cause your private domestic adoption costs to increase.

Expenses for the Biological Mother

The majority of private domestic adoptions involve a pregnant woman who plans on giving the child up at birth. Though you are legally not allowed to pay for the child itself, you can compensate the biological mother for her medical and living expenses during the pregnancy. This can include a broad range of costs, including:

  • Any medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Prenatal doctor visits and hospital stay
  • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Food
  • Maternity clothes
  • Legal fees for the mother
  • Counseling fees for the mother

While you are not necessarily expected to pay these costs, it is possible that you might need to. Depending on the situation, you might just pay a few thousand, or you might pay tens of thousands of dollars.

Travel Costs

In most private domestic adoptions, travel is very common. At the very least, you might end up needing to travel to a nearby town to meet the biological mother and pick up the infant after they are born. In many cases, prospective parents end up having to travel farther distances that necessitate hours of driving or air travel. While waiting for the baby to be born, you might end up needing to spend a few nights at a nearby hotel too. All of these expenses can add up, so be sure to budget in money for your travel fees.

Legal Fees

In any adoption, there are some prospective legal fees. First of all, you might need to pay a few hundred dollars to file documents with the court. These court filing fees can cover the costs for submitting petitions to adopt and for finalizing your adoption. Next, you might also want to consider fees for a private adoption lawyer. You need a lawyer during any private domestic adoption because the paperwork for adoption is fairly complicated. A lawyer can help prepare all necessary documents so that there are no unpleasant surprises later. Even if you are working with an agency that prepares documents for you, you might want to hire a lawyer to look over the documents and represent your interests. The right legal preparation reduces your risk of losing the child later on.

If you are in need of a Pennsylvania or New Jersey adoption lawyer, Cofsky & Zeidman can help. We have over 25 years of experience, and our team is here to ensure that your interests are protected in any adoption arrangement. Give our Haddonfield, New Jersey, office a call at 856-429-5005 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.

What You Need to Know About Open Adoption Contracts

Adoption Law: Should You Enter Into Contracts With Birth Parents?

In the not too distant past, most adoptions were closed, and many surrendered children never learned their birth parents’ identities. But times have changed, and today, nearly 70% of adoptions are “open.” Keeping communication lines open can be fulfilling for all involved, but things tend to go smoother when boundaries are clearly defined, making formal adoption agreements a wise idea.

What Are Open Adoptions?

There are two main types of adoptions: closed and open. Under the former, birth parents don’t play any role in the child’s life. In some closed cases, birth parents’ names are sealed permanently, and the child can never learn their identities.

Conversely, open adoptions allow for some contact between the adoptive parents, birth parents, and child. Agreements vary. In some situations, the birth parents and adoptive parents raise the child together in a modern, blended family. On the other side of the spectrum, some adoptive parents agree to send the birth parents yearly updates and pictures, but the children never meet or spend time with them.

Contracts and Courts

When entering into an open adoption, contracts are frequently a good idea. More often than not, beautiful friendships and bonds form between parents and children in open adoption situations. But every so often, conflicts sprout. Sometimes, the birth parents overstep agreed-upon boundaries; other times, adoptive parents don’t honor visitation schedules.

When unfortunate situations arise, you may need to go to court, and in those cases, having a contract can help tremendously. However, the agreement must be signed by all involved parties, legally binding, and not flout federal or state laws.

The Typical Open Adoption Contract

Most open adoption contracts outline the rights and responsibilities of all involved parties. Typically, it will stipulate a time frame wherein the adoptive and birth parents can develop a relationship without the child. It’s an important trust-building phase. After the child has bonded with their adoptive parents and understands the situation — which may take years — some families allow the birth parents to play a role in the kid’s life.

In cases where the birth parents are present, an adoption visitation schedule is almost always included in the agreement. Situational boundaries are also built into most open adoption terms. For example, adoptive parents may want the children to celebrate the holidays with them or limit biological parental visits to once a quarter. And many contracts forbid birth parents from contacting the kids without permission or showing up at their schools unannounced.

When Should You Get Adoption Contracts?

Heightened emotions are a hallmark of the pregnancy and birth process. As a result, many people prefer to get contracts taken care of earlier rather than later. But every situation is different. It’s best to speak with a New Jersey adoption attorney who can assess the situational particulars and help you chart the best course.

Consequences of Not Having an Open Adoption Contract

Things can get messy without an adoption contract. Sometimes, agencies make both parties sign an agreement, which can act as formal terms. However, they’re not always thorough, and in some instances, the language unfairly favors one party over the other. Plus, agency agreements aren’t always legally binding and may not pass court muster.

Additionally, the lack of a contract may lead to a protracted process. It could take years to sort out conflicts. In those situations, legal costs can skyrocket, and in the end, a court may rule against you.

Consult With a New Jersey Adoption Attorney

Reach out today to learn more about your adoption rights and options. We understand the related sensitivities and will guide you through the adoption process. Adoption is a noble, commendable, and profoundly loving way to grow a family — and we’re here to support your excellent choice. If you live in the Haddonfield or Woodbury area and are considering an adoption contract, contact Cofsky & Zeidman at (856) 429-5005 or through our secure contact form.

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Offices