
Adoption is a wonderful journey that can be rewarding for both birth mothers and adoptive families. However, many adoptive families are surprised by the costs associated with adoption. For an aspiring family, the whole process can cost several tens of thousands of dollars. At Florida Adoptions, we have helped many adoptive families match with birth mothers. In this article, we will discuss why adoption is so expensive and some ways you can make the price easier to handle.
5 Factors That Drive Up Cost of Adoption
The adoption process is often lengthy and requires a lot of work. Many people find themselves asking, “why is adoption so expensive”? Here are a handful of reasons.
- Significance of an adoption: An adoption is a significant legal and emotional process. While some may think it is just giving up a baby, the act of placing a baby for adoption is of considerable importance that cannot be taken lightly. The adoption laws are thorough and meticulous, ensuring that birth mothers, birth fathers, the adoptive parents, and the child are all protected in the process.
- You must use an attorney. In the state of Florida, an adoption attorney must be part of the process. Much of the costs associated with adoption are essentially paying for a lawyer’s time and expertise. Adoption is a very time consuming process for attorneys due to the statutory requirements. There will be several meetings and leg work involved throughout the process that can start to add up.
- Lots of paperwork. Adoption requires a lot of clerical and legal work that can take up a significant amount of hours. In the state of Florida, there are over 20 official documents that need to be submitted to the court for review and approval to make an adoption legal and official.
- Home study costs. A home study is an official background check that is conducted on an aspiring adoptive family. This is a way for an adoption agency or law firm to verify that the family looking to adopt is ready for the responsibility and is vetted as safe. Only a certified social worker can conduct the home study. This is someone who is hired by the adoption agency or lawyer. There are a lot of other facets to the home study process, including an inspection of the home, a careful review of finances, and an in-depth criminal background check. If you want to learn more about it, you can read our full article on home studies.
- Birth mother expenses. This is one of the more significant expenses during the adoption process. It’s common for adoptive families to cover the pregnancy-related expenses for the birth mother. Birth mothers do not pay for anything out of their own pockets. Since every birth mother’s situation is unique, this expense can be unpredictable and be much higher in some cases.
Ways to Make Adoption More Affordable
Although the cost of adoption is unlikely to get cheaper in the near future, there are ways to make it more affordable and manageable. If you are considering adoption and concerned about cost, below are a few things available to you.
- Payment plans. Many adoption agencies and law firms allow adoptive families to take advantage of a payment plan if the lump sum of the costs are too expensive. This allows adoptive families to make manageable payments overtime to afford adoption.
- Grants. There are a wide range of private and state grants available to adoptive families who are struggling with the costs associated. Depending on what state you’re in, your lawyer can help get you connected with grant opportunities. There are also some opportunities to apply for special interest-free loans if additional financial assistance is needed.
- Federal adoption tax credit. In the United States, the federal government has made an adoption credit available to those who qualify. This allows adoptive families to claim adoption-related expenses when you file your taxes. In some cases, this can account for as much as $16,000+ in qualified expenses. For more information on the adoption credit, you can visit the IRS website.
When considering the expenses associated with adopting, there’s no denying that adoption is a costly process that can seem daunting. However, families who are motivated and ready to adopt should not let the cost be a significant barrier to entry. Find a law firm or adoption agency you trust, such as Florida Adoptions. The professionals there will work directly with you to find an adoption plan that works for your specific financial situation.
Final Thoughts About Why Is Adoption So Expensive
After considering all of the hard work and vetting that goes into adoption, it’s not surprising that it’s an expensive process. That being said, all of the steps that go into it are necessary as they ensure the continued health and safety of both the child and the birth mother. If you or someone you know is hoping to adopt, get in touch with a lawyer so that you can start coming up with a customized plan to handle the expenses.
About Florida Adoptions
Florida Adoptions is a small, hands-on practice located in Pensacola, Florida. Our team is passionate about child-related issues and helping mothers and adoptive families through the adoption process. We specialize in all areas of adoption law, including private placement with infants and children, step-parent adoption, relative adoption, foster care adoption, and adult adoption. Our practice also encompasses representing children in the foster care system.
Get in Touch
If you are in the Gulf Coast area and need to talk through any thoughts and feelings you may be having about adoption, our team is here for you. Feel free to contact us regarding any questions or concerns you may have. Call us today at (850) 610-4166 or send us an email at stephanie@fladoptions.com.