Adoption Costs Explained
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?
Understanding the cost of domestic infant adoption starts with a simple truth: for birth mothers, services are free. For adoptive families, fees vary based on your situation, the services you need, and the state law that applies. Contact us for a personalized estimate.
All services to birth mothers are confidential and at no cost. Support may be provided as allowed by state law.
Costs depend on your situation and the services you need. Contact us for a personalized estimate.
What Adoptive-Family Fees Generally Cover
Adoption fees vary by case. A typical full-service fee schedule covers the following categories. Actual amounts are provided in writing at intake after a free consultation.
- ●Agency fees, counseling, matching, and case management
- ●Home study, completed by a state-licensed provider in your home state
- ●Legal fees, independent counsel for the birth parent plus your adoption finalization
- ●Birth mother support, as allowed by state law and determined case by case
- ●Pregnancy-related medical gaps, what insurance does not cover
- ●Travel & miscellaneous, especially for interstate placements coordinated through the ICPC
Every adoption is unique. The best way to understand what costs may look like for your family is a free, no-obligation consultation.
For Hopeful Adoptive Families
See how fees are structured and what categories typically appear at A Act of Love.
Adoptive Family Cost Detail →Grants, Tax Credits, and Loans
Many adoptive families offset costs through non-profit grants, the federal tax credit, employer benefits, and loans.
Financial Assistance →Before You Talk Budget, Consider the Agency
Cost is real, and we are transparent about it. But the single best predictor of a good adoption experience is the agency you choose. A free, confidential conversation will walk you through our fee schedule, timelines, grant options, and whether we are the right fit for you.
- 4.8★
- Among the top-rated adoption agencies in the U.S., with 129 verified reviews.
- Since 1993
- More than 2,500+ adoptions. Trusted by birth moms and adoptive families for 30+ years.
- By People Who Lived It
- Founded by an adoptive mother. Many on our team are adoptive parents or adoptees themselves.
- Free For Birth Moms
- Independent legal counsel, medical coordination, and counseling before and after placement. At no cost, as allowed by state law.
Adoption Cost FAQ
Do birth mothers pay anything?+
No. All services to birth mothers are confidential and at no cost. Support for birth mothers may be provided as allowed by state law.
How much does it cost to adopt?+
Adoption fees for adoptive families vary based on your situation, the services you need, and the state law that applies. Contact us for a personalized estimate, every conversation is free, confidential, and without obligation.
What is the federal adoption tax credit?+
The IRS offers a federal adoption tax credit per child. The amount is adjusted annually. Visit IRS Form 8839 for the current figure, and consult your tax professional for advice on your situation.
Are there grants for adoption?+
Yes. Many non-profits offer adoption grants, including Gift of Adoption, Show Hope, and the National Adoption Foundation. Application processes vary; see our financial-assistance page for a starting list.
Does insurance cover any adoption costs?+
Some employers offer adoption benefits. Health insurance does not typically cover agency fees, but may cover some birth-mother medical care where applicable.