The Costs of Adopting

Many couples are often overwhelmed by the cost when they begin looking into adoption. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of an adoption, including the cost of the necessary legal work, advertising fees, travel expenses, etc.     

Both domestic and international adoption have their own unique costs. For example, couples adopting domestically will not have to worry about the cost of a visa, which couples adopting internationally much budget for. Likewise, couples adopting domestically may be asked to provide some living expenses for the expectant mother, such as help with rent or utility payments, an expense that is not typically seen in international adoptions.

 

According to the National Council for Adoption, domestic adoptions can cost $8,000-$40,000, typically falling in the $15,000-$25,000 range. In comparison, according to Adoptive Families magazine, the estimated cost for a China adoption – which is the No.1 nation for international adoption in the U.S. – is $20,000-$25,000. The estimated cost for a Guatemala adoption is $25,000-$30,000 and a Russia adoption is estimated to cost $30,000-$40,000. Couples adopting internationally should also be prepared to travel to the country they are adopting from for a period that could range from a few days to several weeks. Multiple visits may also be necessary. Couples contemplating international adoption should carefully research the travel requirements for the countries they are considering adopting from.