We constantly see stories on the news and social media about how many babies out there need a good home. Adoption seems to be an easy solution for a lot of people, right? Not so fast. Adoption may be an amazing solution for families who can’t have their own children. However, it can also be very expensive. Even if you have a birth mother in mind, it can still be very expensive to adopt a child.
The costs range, depending on what kind of adoption you do. It also depends on whether you go through an adoption agency or use an adoption attorney in Austin, Texas. Believe it or not, it’s actually a bit cheaper to use an attorney as compared to an agency.
If you’re considering adopting a child, and aren’t sure you can afford to do it, here is a brief summary that should help. This blog will break down the costs depending on which type of adoption you’re interested in. If you decide that you’re ready to move forward, contact an adoption lawyer in Austin, Texas right away.
Domestic Infant Adoptions
A lot of people prefer to adopt a child from the United States. It can be easier and you don’t have to worry about any international issues. Plus, you may want a child that shares the same culture and heritage as you and your family.
Many adoptive couples also prefer an infant so they can raise it from “day one.” This is understandable. You want to embrace the child you adopt into your family. The earlier you do this, the better. If the child is an infant, they can bond with you and your family from the very start.
If you’re dealing with an adoption where the birth mother is relinquishing their rights (as opposed to a foster care situation), it can be quite expensive. If you use an adoption agency, the average cost for a domestic infant adoption is about $43,000. If you use an adoption attorney instead, it will only be about $38,000.
These costs include a lot of the expenses related to the adoption and can vary. Some of the things included in these costs are:
- Medical costs for the birth mother
- Hospital bills
- Travel fees
- Adoption agency fees or attorney fees
- Failed match fees
You can contact a local adoption attorney in Austin today to discuss these costs. They can answer any questions you may have. They can also help reduce the costs if you already have a birth mother who has agreed to the adoption.
International Adoptions
If a domestic adoption isn’t a good fit for you, then you may want to consider an international adoption. There are many countries that work with adoption lawyers in Austin that will be willing to help find your adoptive child.
Keep in mind, the costs for international adoptions can be quite steep. They vary depending on which country you intend to visit. Some of these costs depend on the following:
- How long you’ll be staying in their country
- How many trips you’ll need to make
- Airfare
- Attorney fees or agency expenses
Here is a breakdown of what the average costs are for some of the countries known for international adoptions:
- China – $36,000
- Ukraine – $35,000
- South Korea – $48,000
Keep in mind, these costs can vary. It depends on your situation and whether you run into any complications. Your Austin adoption attorney can help streamline the process. They’ll be there with you every step of the way.
Foster Care Adoptions
One very inexpensive option for couples looking to adopt is a foster care adoption. Most people can complete a foster care adoption for either nothing or as little as $2,000. The issue is, a foster care adoption can take a long time to complete.
Some of the possible issues with a foster care adoption include:
- Availability of a child
- Securing a termination of parental rights
- Red-tape in the court and social welfare systems
- The age of the child
- Children in foster care often have behavioral issues or have been the victims of abuse
- There could be relatives who challenge the adoption or give you a hard time even after the adoption is complete
If you’re considering a foster care adoption, it is a good idea to retain an adoption lawyer in Austin at Eddington & Worley. They can help deal with these challenges as they arise.
Call today and schedule your initial consultation. Let an experienced adoption attorney answer any questions you may have.