The cost of raising a child to age 18 in the U.S. is over $200,000. Kids can be expensive, and if you’re going through the adoption process, there are even more fees added to that.

All parents know that the cost of having a child is worth it, but it’s good to prepare yourself for that cost. How much do adoption lawyers cost, anyway? 

Learn all about the factors that go into the cost of hiring an adoption lawyer below.

First: Consider the Type of Adoption

There are several different ways to adopt a child. Because of that, the legal fees associated with adopting a child can vary quite a bit. When you’re consulting with an adoption attorney, make sure you’re clear about the type of adoption you’re pursuing. 

For independent or agency-assisted domestic adoptions, legal fees can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The fees may cover legal representation, court filings, and finalization processes. Because of this wide range of fees, it’s important to have a long and in-depth talk with your attorney during your consultation.

International adoptions often involve additional legal complexities due to the involvement of multiple countries. Legal fees for international adoptions can vary quite a bit and may include expenses related to immigration, documentation, and compliance with international laws. The total cost can range, again, from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

Adopting a child from the foster care system may involve lower legal fees. Some legal services may be provided at lower rates or waived by the state. However, it’s important to note that other costs, such as home studies and background checks, may still apply.

Attorney Fee Structure

Adoption lawyers may charge either a fixed fee for the entire adoption process or an hourly rate. In some cases, an attorney may use a combination of both types of fee structure.

Make sure that you discuss the fee structure with the attorney and understand what services they cover under the fee that you agree on. 

Some adoption lawyers may also charge a consultation fee for the initial meeting to discuss the specifics of your case. However, many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. They don’t want to discourage people who are going through this process. 

Additional Adoption Fees and Costs

In addition to legal fees, adoptive parents should prepare themselves for other adoption-related expenses. You have to consider things such as court filing fees, home study fees, travel expenses (for international adoptions), and any required documentation fees.

Your adoption agency can help you prepare for all of this, however, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

So How Much Do Adoption Lawyers Cost?

When it comes to how much adoption lawyers cost, there’s no one right number that we can give you. It will vary depending on the type of adoption as well as each individual lawyer. You should expect to save up several thousand dollars at the least for a conventional adoption. 

At Heart of Adoptions, we want to help families grow through the beauty of adoption. Whether you’re looking to adopt or you’d like to give another family the gift of a child, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out today to learn more.