What is the Average Cost of Adoption in the US

The question of “What is the average cost of adoption in the US?” is a common one for prospective adoptive parents. The answer is that, on average, the cost of adoption in the US ranges between $20,000 and $50,000.

Adoption is a significant legal process, and understanding its costs is crucial in planning this life-changing decision.

It’s also important to understand where those costs come from and what would make an adoption more or less expensive.

Generally speaking, private adoptions are more expensive than foster care adoptions, and international adoptions are more expensive than domestic adoptions.

Let’s take a closer look at this financial aspect of adoption in the United States, and in our home state of Georgia, where Your Law Firm is located.

What Are the Costs Associated With a US Adoption?

Adoption costs in the US can vary greatly depending on the type of adoption.

These costs typically include agency fees, legal expenses, home study costs, birth mother expenses, post-placement visits, and sometimes travel expenses.

To narrow down which costs to consider, first, you’ll need to decide which kind of adoption you would like to pursue: international, private agency, foster care, or a relative. And then, which state you will be adopting from – your home state or another state?

Then, you can do more research based on the costs for those types of adoptions in those states.

Even international adoptions must be domesticated in the home state of the adopting parent, so we are including those here in our “United States” costs consideration.

What Is the Average Cost of Adoption in the State of Georgia?

In the state of Georgia, the average cost of adoption aligns with the national average, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.

However, specific costs may vary depending on individual circumstances and the type of adoption pursued.

Typically, a foster care adoption will be cheaper than a private agency adoption – however, this is not always the case, so make sure you do your research on exactly what costs would be involved in your chosen type of adoption, and save up accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Newborn Child?

Adopting a newborn child often incurs higher costs due to factors such as medical expenses for the birth mother and baby, and potentially higher agency and legal fees.

The average cost for newborn adoption in the US can range from $25,000 to $50,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Newborn Child in Georgia?

In Georgia, the cost of adopting a newborn child falls within the national average range. 

Prospective parents should anticipate costs between $25,000 and $50,000, again, subject to individual circumstances.

How Much Is It to Adopt a Child from Foster Care?

Adopting a child from foster care is generally less expensive than private or international adoptions. In many cases, it can cost little to nothing.

The average cost ranges from $0 to $2,500.

In some states, like Georgia, you may need to hire your own attorney to represent you. In this case, the costs will be more due to the legal fees.

How Much Is It to Adopt a Child from Foster Care in Georgia?

In Georgia, the costs for adopting a child from foster care align with the national average.

Many of these adoptions are facilitated by the state at minimal cost to the adoptive parents, often ranging from $0 to $2,500.

However, if you hire a private attorney to assist you, your legal fees may be anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 or more.

This depends on whether or not the rights of the parents of the child have already been terminated (not as expensive) or not (more expensive).

Pro tip: if the parent’s rights have not already been terminated by the State of Georgia, you’ll want to hire a private attorney to complete your adoption case.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child Internationally?

International adoption can be a more costly route due to additional expenses such as travel, immigration processing, and foreign agency fees. 

The average cost of international adoption in the US ranges from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on the country of origin.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the costs associated with adoption is an important part of the adoption journey. 

While these figures provide a general idea, it’s crucial to research specific costs related to your individual circumstances and the type of adoption you’re pursuing.