Domestic Adoption 101 (1 of 3) on Parent World -
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Published on: 8/1/2005
Last Visited: 2/7/2007
In most cases, domestic adoptions cost anywhere from $0 to $35,000, with most agencies charging around $12,000 for a variety of services that can include home study fees, placement fees, legal fees, counseling expenses and medical costs, according to Lisa L. Collins, Esq., a Nashville-based adoption attorney for the last 11 years and a fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.Many agencies charge parents on a sliding scale based upon income, and contrary to popular belief, private adoptions through an attorney are no more expensive than agency adoptions since lawyers can only charge clients for actual expenses.The news gets even better: an increasing number of employers, including 65 percent of Fortune 500 companies, provide an average of $5,000 in adoption benefits, and parents with an annual income up to $150,000 can earn as much as $10,950 in tax credits for adoption related expenses.
TimingLike cost, timing varies widely and is based on a variety of factors.Collins says, "It depends on the route you choose.
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Collins agrees, "In my experience, if a birth mom is going to change her mind, it's in the hospital, before the parents have the child in their home, but it's not common."
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In addition, an adoption specialist like Tant or Collins will be able to explain the available pathways to adoption, discuss pros and cons and put you in touch with adoptive parents to help answer your most personal questions.
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Collins agrees."Go to a reputable agency or lawyer," she says.
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