Adoption Cost Considerations for Moms to Be

Costs of Adoption for LGBTQ Moms

The cost to adopt a child ranges from nothing up to $70,000. It’s difficult to predict exactly what you may face to build your family through adoption because each situation is unique. There are, however, some general ranges that may be helpful.

Costs by type of adoption

Domestic Adoption through an Adoption Agency – $30,000 – $50,000
Independent Private Adoption – $20,000 – $50,000
International Adoption – $30,000 to $70,000
Foster-to-Adopt – free to $2,000

Financial grants for adoption

There are various organizations that offer financial assistance to those pursuing adoption. We recommend starting with HelpUsAdopt.org, a trusted national 501(c)(3) financial grant program that helps couples/individuals (regardless of ethnicity, gender, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation) with the cost of their adoptions by awarding grants up to $30,000. They support domestic, international and foster care adoptions and do not charge applicants to apply.

To learn more and submit an application, please visit their website.

Factors that influence cost

There are many factors that influence the cost of adoption. For example expenses paid to the birthmother, advertising costs, and legal fees can vary greatly state-by-state and case-by-case. The type of adoption also has an affect on cost. Adoptions through agencies usually require agency fees, independent adoptions may carry higher advertising costs in order to locate a child and international adoptions typically require higher legal and travel expenses.

The length of the process also has an impact on cost. Hundreds of thousands of families are built through adoption each year, however, sometimes it takes multiple attempts to achieve a successful adoption, each one adding to the overall cost.

Fostering-to-adopt from a public child welfare agency usually involves few, if any, costs to the adoptive family as it is funded by the state. Foster parents receive money to help cover the costs of caring for the child, as well as medical assistance.

Where the money goes

Some common adoption expenses include*:

Legal fees (May include costs in different states or countries)
Court fees
Expenses paid to the birth mother (As permitted by state law, you may be required to pay for some of the birth mother’s expenses, such as medical fees, living expenses and counseling.)
Travel expenses
Advertising costs
Agency fees
Home study fees

*Some fees and expenses are not refundable should either the birth mother or adoptive parents change their minds.

Costs working with Gay Parents To Be

The costs of your journey will depend on your insurance coverage and your personalized plan for family building, which your care team will help you assemble after a consultation and a fertility assessment.

Don't have coverage? Don't worry. Learn more about our exclusive opportunity plans.