Features

The costs of adoption can be broken down into different types of fees. There are fees for the home study, the adoption agency, the government, the dossier sent to the country where the child is and legal fees. Government fees apply to filing and processing the required federal forms, and will be fairly standard for everyone. The other fees will vary.

Considerations

In addition to adoption fees there may be other costs associated with international adoption. Many countries require adoptive parents to travel to the country to pick up their child. Some countries may even require two trips before the adoption is complete. There are also some extra costs for adoption-education courses, fingerprinting and notary fees.

Costs

The National Council for Adoption states that international adoptions cost from $8000 to $40,000, with the typical costs ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, according to AmericanAdoptions.com.

Financial Resources

There are ways to help with the costs of adoption. As of 2009, the government offered an adoption tax credit. Adoption-related expenses can be claimed for the credit. The credit is scheduled to sunset in December 2010. The 2009 tax credit is $12,150. Other sources of financial help are private adoption grants, employer adoption benefits, loans and fundraising.

Optional Costs

There are a few optional costs associated with international adoption. One of the most significant is the decision to find a physician specializing in adoption medicine. These doctors have experience treating and examining children who have been living in orphanages. The fees can be a few hundred dollars, and a pre-adoption consultation is not typically covered by insurance.

Source:

adoption.com: International Adoption Costs

American Adoptions: Domestic vs. International Adoption

IRS.gov: Adoption Benefits Increased

More Information:

State Department Intercountry Adoption

The Center for Adoption Medicine