How Much Does an Adoption Cost?

The cost of adoption will vary by the type of adoption being considered and the fees attached. Adoption costs vary due to, for example, agency and lawyer fees, travel costs, and birth family needs. Adoption costs range from zero with state adoptions to over $30,000 with domestic private or independent adoptions.

A break down of costs by type of adoption:

• Domestic Public Agency Adoptions
• Domestic Private Agency Adoptions
• Domestic Independent Adoptions
• Intercountry Private Agency or Independent Adoptions

Estimates of Costs

• Domestic Adoption Costs
• Intercountry Adoption Costs

_{Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway}