Why Cost Estimates Vary

Adoption Costs You See — and the Ones That Break Budgets

When you budget to build your family, you’re planning for success,  not setbacks. But in adoption, one unsuccessful match can cost thousands, and a few can feel like the end of your journey.

Most families prepare for one successful adoption, not multiple attempts. Without protection, repeated disruptions can quickly drain your savings and stall your progress.

A successful adoption typically ranges from $30,000 to $85,000; however, what truly matters is understanding what drives those costs and how to protect your investment from loss.

The good news? A few agencies safeguard families from many of these financial risks. With the right protection, even if one or two adoptions don’t move forward, your path to parenthood doesn’t have to stop.

Instead of asking, "How much does adoption cost?" families should be asking, "How do I ensure my costs = success?"

Before Joining an Agency, Get the Full Picture of Costs

As an industry standard, most agencies only estimate the cost of a successful adoption.  Sadly for families, that leaves out the painful reality of unsuccessful adoption costs.

A recent review of 20 adoption agencies revealed the following cost ranges:

​​*Unsuccessful additional costs = birth-mother living + medical + local agency + legal fees tied to a match that doesn’t proceed.

Multiple unsuccessful adoptions don’t just cost money; they cost momentum. Budgets run out, timelines stretch, and families step away before they ever match.

For this reason, many families need to find an agency that shares or absorbs the financial risks.

Before You Choose an Agency, Ask These 4 Things

These four questions reveal whether an agency truly protects families — or leaves you carrying all the risk.

1. Risk Policy

If an adoption doesn’t proceed, which costs are you still responsible for (agency, attorney, medical, living)?
Red flag: “You take all the risk.”

Good answer: Your agency offers significant refunds or a financial protection program.

2. Marketing Reach

How many pregnant women do they reach each month? More reach = more quality opportunities.
Don’t know how to verify? (Contact us for a traffic report.)
Red flag: Fewer than 5,000 monthly visitors (very limited outreach).

Good answer: Devote resources to marketing outreach consistently above 15k every month.

3. Screening & Timing

Who checks medical, legal, and state-law issues — and when? When do fees start, and what triggers a refund (if any)?
Red flag: No licensed social workers or counselors screening and supporting birth parents.

Good answer: Multiple licensed social workers and counselors who thoroughly vet situations before matching for the benefit of both family and pregnant mom.

4. Track Record

How many matches failed last year — and why?
Red flag: They “don’t track it” but claim disruptions are rare.

Good answer: They can provide tangible numbers of placements — not just home studies — where they worked directly with the pregnant mother and took the relinquishment, as well as disruptions.

Adoption shouldn’t feel like a gamble. The right agency combines broad outreach, licensed screening, and shared financial protection — so even if the first opportunity doesn’t work out, your journey keeps moving forward.

Next step: Talk with us about how our financial protection works and how it can safeguard your budget while shortening your wait. With the right guide, one setback doesn’t end your story. It brings you closer to the moment you finally get your baby home.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.