Cost of Adoption Update: 2008-2009A comparison of costs for domestic and international adoptions in 2008 and 2009, the cost of adoption uncertainties, and more.
How much did adoptions cost in 2008 and 2009? More than 1,600 AF readers completed our survey on the cost of adoption, before adoption-related employee benefits or tax credits. Thanks to everyone for their valuable input!
- Domestic adoptions, on average, cost less than international adoptions.
- For most adopters, the average total expenses were about $25,000 to $30,000.
Domestic Adoption Costs, by Route
| | Agency | Attorney | Foster |
| Homestudy |
$1,821 |
$1,768 |
$408 |
| Documentation & authentication |
$824 |
$482 |
|
| Application & program fee |
$13,829 |
$3,938 |
|
| Attorney fees |
$3,101 |
$8,087 |
$627 |
| Advertising/networking |
$1,717 |
$1,920 |
|
| Birth family counseling |
$694 |
$1,048 |
|
| Birthmother expenses |
$2,973 |
$3,416 |
|
| Foster care |
$159 |
$0 |
|
| Travel expenses |
$1,799 |
$1,895 |
$443 |
| Other expenses |
$4,031 |
$3,190 |
$482 |
| Total |
$30,948 |
$25,743 |
$1,960 |
International Adoption Costs, by Country
| | Russia | China | Ethiopia | Korea |
| Homestudy |
$2,465 |
$1,637 |
$1,944 |
| $1,988 |
| Documentation & authentication |
$2,929 |
$1,720 |
$1,668 |
$700 |
| Application & program fee |
$19,099 |
$5,870 |
$10,050 |
$12,772 |
| Child’s passport/visa |
$1,391 |
$867 |
$563 |
$543 |
| Major travel expenses |
$13,415 |
$6,279 |
$4,561 |
$3,650 |
| In-country travel expenses |
$3,475 |
$1,617 |
$1,155 |
$450 |
| In-country adoption expenses |
$6,309 |
$5,052 |
$1,745 |
$10,667 |
| Post-adoption expenses |
$1,656 |
$800 |
$1,260 |
$911 |
| Other expenses |
$2,964 |
$2,690 |
$2,031 |
$3,720 |
| Total |
$53,702 |
$26,531 |
$24,977 |
$35,400 |
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