For Hopeful Adoptive Families
Cost of Adopting a Baby: What Hopeful Adoptive Families Pay
Domestic infant adoption in the U.S. typically costs between $30,000 and $50,000 for adoptive families. That total covers everything from agency fees to legal work to approved birth mother support.
Typical Cost Breakdown
- Agency fees$15,000 to $30,000Counseling, matching, case management
- Home study$2,000 to $4,000State-licensed provider
- Legal fees$2,500 to $6,000Birth-mother counsel + finalization
- Birth mother supportVaries by stateAs allowed by state law
- Medical gaps$0 to $3,000Not covered by Medicaid/insurance
- Travel & miscellaneous$1,000 to $5,000Especially for interstate/ICPC
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
The federal adoption tax credit is approximately $16,000 per child (adjusted annually). Claim it on IRS Form 8839 in the year your adoption is finalized.