For an overview of the average cost of a domestic, attorney adoption, see the categories below. Don’t forget that the cost of adoption will be offset by the federal adoption tax credit (unless your income exceeds federal limitations) so make sure to keep detailed records of fees and payments during your adoption process.
INDEPENDENT DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTION COST BREAKDOWN
Homestudy: $1,000–$2,000
Documentation & Authentication: $500-$1,000
Postage/Telephone: $200-$500
Post Placement Fees [1]: $400-$1,000
Attorney Fees: $5,000-$15,000
Advertising/Networking: $0-$5,000
Birth Family Counseling: $500-$2,500
Birth Mother Expenses: $0-$6,000
Foster Care:[2] $0-$1,000
Airfare, Hotels, Etc.: $0-$5,000
AVERAGE COST (before tax credit): $20,000-$40,000
MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT[3]: $13,190 per attempt
All budgets
- [1] May be included in program fee or homestudy fee.
- [2] Costs of adopting a child from foster care may be eligible for reimbursement (up to $2,000) by the child’s state, depending on state regulations. Also, adoptions of U.S. children with special needs are eligible for the federal tax credit, regardless of actual expenses.
- [3] Subject to income limitations. Visit the IRS website for more info.
