How Much Does Adoption Cost?

New Jersey adoption lawyers report that the typical cost of adoption in the state can be as much as $50,000 or more. For this reason, many people who want to add to their family in this manner believe that they simply cannot afford it. There are ways to achieve adoption even if one does not have thousands in the bank, however, and it often begins with finding a good attorney with extensive experience navigating the system.

Adoption Fees

There are three core types of adoption: foster adoption, domestic adoption and international adoption. Foster adoption involves the smallest amount of fees because the foster system covers most of the cost. Domestic adoption refers to adopting a child from the U.S. through an adoption agency. This will be more expensive, as there will be adoption agency fees involved. International adoption is, as the name implies, when you adopt a child from another country, typically through its foster care system. This will usually be more expensive than a domestic adoption because there will be both domestic and international fees.

Search Fees

If you want to adopt an infant, there will generally be search fees. These are paid to the adoption agency that matches you with a birth mother. If the agency is handling all aspects of the adoption, it will typically roll the fees into its overall fee. If you are pursuing an independent adoption, you will need to pay the consulting and advertising fees separately. Total fees often range from $3,000 to $7,000.

Birthing Parent Expenses

If adopting a newborn, you will be expected to cover the birthing mother’s expenses. That can include medical bills and some living expenses in addition to legal fees, travel expenses and counseling costs. This typically ranges from $6,000 to $8,000 for a private adoption.

Legal Fees

There is a lot that goes into an adoption, including filing court documents, negotiating with the birth mother and terminating the rights of the birth parent(s). What is often overlooked when it comes to legal fees is just how much money a good adoption attorney can save you overall.

Travel

Local adoptions usually have no significant travel costs associated with them. If adopting out of state, experts say travel costs can be around $3,000. If adopting internationally, experts suggest planning for between $6,000 and $9,000.

Home Study

Home study is required for all domestic adoptions in the U.S. The adopting parents must cover the costs for background checks, counseling and in-home observation.

Unexpected Adoption Fees

A common concern among people who want to adopt is unexpected fees that may come up suddenly when the process is already underway. Such fees generally only occur when dealing with people and organizations that do not have an ethical, child-centered approach. Avoiding this begins with choosing an experienced attorney who is going to have your best interests in mind. It is also important to deal with an established and reputable adoption agency. With this approach, you will know all the costs up front and not have to deal with any surprises.

Financing Adoption

While adoption can be expensive, there are ways to offset the burden. Those with limited budgets may want to consider fostering a child rather than adoption. It is often a significantly less expensive route and can even be free. There are adoption grants available in addition to the federal adoption tax credit. Active military personnel may be eligible for a one-time reimbursement. Many big companies offer employer-sponsored adoption programs as well. You should also speak with a New Jersey adoption lawyer or contact your local Social Services office to learn about local opportunities.

Would You Like to Adopt?

If you are interested in adoption, the law office of Cofsky & Zeidman would like to help. Attorney Donald Cofsky has personally helped more than 1,500 families adopt since joining the bar in 1974. To schedule an appointment, you can contact us online or call our Haddonfield office at (856) 429-5005 or our Woodbury office at (856) 845-2555.