How Much Does Adoption Cost?

For most people considering adoption, the first question is, "How much does adoption cost?" Answer: It depends on the type of adoption. (Note: Due to inflation or legal requirements, the information in this post may change over time; but at the Utah Adoption Law Center, we strive to be reasonable and keep costs low for our clients. Since each case is unique, this blog is not intended to create a contract or fee agreement for any particular case.) Retainers are typically $1,200 - $2,000 to get a case started, and clients may pay by credit card or check.

1. Foster Child Adoption:

   1. Adopting a foster child will usually cost $2,000 or slightly under. The good news is that DCFS may reimburse you up to $2,000 for adoption legal expenses under Utah Administrative Code R512-43-4, available at www.rules.utah.gov. Due to economies of scale, the adoption of multiple foster children is only incrementally more expensive because we include multiple children in one petition. Our goal at the UALC is for our clients to be 100% reimbursed by DCFS. In foster child cases, DCFS handles the home study and background checks, along with termination or relinquishment of parental rights.

2. Stepchild Adoption:

   1. A one-child, uncontested stepchild adoption typically runs around $2,700 - $2,800.  Due to economies of scale, the adoption of multiple stepchildren is only incrementally more expensive because we include multiple children in one petition. It helps if the non-custodial birth father is willing to accept service and sign the consent. In some cases we must have a court representative appointed to take the consent of a non-custodial birth mother. In stepchild cases, a home study is not required so that saves some money for the clients; however, criminal and DCFS background checks must still be done. Termination of parental rights may be a significant issue in these cases. Sometimes these cases are contested, as explained below.

3. Private Adoption:

   1. The costs of private adoption vary, depending on whether a home study (pre-placement adoptive evaluation) is required and whether the ICPC applies (see below). A Utah home study costs roughly $1,000. From our experience, most private adoption costs range from $2,400 - $3,200.

4. Contested Adoption:

   1. If someone files a Motion to Intervene and contests the adoption petition, then we enter litigation. Litigation typically involves gathering evidence--perhaps through subpoenas and witness interviews--and filing any needed motions. The judge will typically require the parties to go to mediation to try to resolve the case without a trial. If mediation does not yield a settlement, then we go to trial. After trial, there may be appeals. If the case gets resolved during mediation, then the costs will likely be around $4,000 - $5,000. If there's a trial with expert witnesses, then the costs will be higher.

5. Interstate Adoption:

   1. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) requires coordination and approval from the ICPC administrators of the sending and receiving states. These cases involve more paperwork and time and thus added cost. A good rule of thumb is to add about $1,600 - $2,000 if the case is an ICPC case.

6. Other factors:

   1. DCFS History: If an adoptive parent is mentioned in DCFS records, then we must do a GRAMA request to get those records. This process usually takes about a month since DCFS redacts certain private information from the records.

   2. Criminal background issues: Certain convictions (i.e., child abuse, etc.) can prevent, delay or otherwise hinder an adoption. A guardian ad litem (i.e., a court-appointed lawyer to represent the best interest of the child) may be necessary, which can be an added expense.

   3. Notice by publication: If a birth parent cannot be found so he/she can be personally notified of the adoption proceeding, then we may need to ask the judge to allow service by publication. Publication costs depend on which newspaper we use but most papers cost several hundred dollars. There are some upsides to publication, however, which we can discuss.

   4. Expert witnesses: Social workers or child psychologists can be very helpful in evaluating and in explaining a case to the judge. Their fees vary, depending on their qualifications and the amount of services they provide for your case.

   5. Guardianship: Sometimes adoption is not currently the best option; rather, a guardianship is needed. Clients can use the Utah Online Court Assistance Program to pursue their guardianship on their own. If they want to hire UALC to do the work, we can help.

   6. Child Born Abroad (Foreign Birth): These cases involve some extra steps so there are extra costs. Plan on $200-$400 extra.

In conclusion, each adoption case is unique. Various issues may arise. With our experience at the Utah Adoption Law Center, we seek ways to achieve your adoption goals without superfluous costs. We try to follow the Golden Rule and be fair. We let you know what your options are and we make recommendations so you can make informed decisions.

How much does adoption cost?