As you step into the adoption process, you should know exactly what to expect—including how much you’ll pay, when it’s due, and what each fee covers. That’s why we’ve laid out the entire Domestic Infant Adoption Program fee schedule below.
Adoption & Beyond is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) child placement agency, and we work hard to keep costs as reasonable as possible while providing lifelong support to families and birth parents. If the financial side feels overwhelming, there are grants, loans, and tax credits available—you can explore those options here.
This page is full of details—fees, terms, fine print. This video walks you through it all in plain language, just as we would if we were talking face-to-face.
Please note: From time to time, fees are updated. The amounts listed below are a reliable planning guide, but the final charges are set at the time services are provided.
PLEASE NOTE: From time to time, fees are updated. The amounts listed below are a reliable planning guide, but the final charges are set at the time services are provided.
IMPORTANT: To join the Domestic Infant Adoption Program, you’ll need a completed home study. If you live in Kansas or Missouri, Adoption & Beyond can provide this service for you (learn more here). If your home study is done elsewhere, that’s fine too.
Domestic Adoption Program Fee Schedule
Type of Service
Amount
Due
Domestic Adoption Application
- Review and processing of your application
- Review of your intake assessment documents
$950
- Due at the time you submit your application
- If your application isn’t approved, the fee is fully refunded
Program Fee
Program Fee: This fee supports the outreach and services that make adoption connections possible.
For your family:
- A personal adoption coordinator to guide you throughout the process
- A professionally designed adoption profile (book, website, video and online promotion)
- 24/7 exposure on adoption-related websites for maximum visibility
- A curated list of additional adoption professionals to expand opportunities
- On going support, from the time you join through finalization and beyond
For birth families & the community:
- Intake, screening, and education for birth families
- Community outreach and adoption training for hospitals, clinics, crisis pregnancy centers, schools, counselors, clergy and more
$4,950
- Due when you submit your program paperwork
- There is no time limit—you can remain in the program until a child enters the home via birth or adoption
- However, families must update their home study annually to stay active in the program
- IMPORTANT: This fee is waived if you have completed your home study with Adoption & Beyond
Matching Fee
This fee covers the support and coordination that happens once a birth family and adoptive family are matched. It includes:
- Coordinating the initial match meeting
- Providing the expectant birth family’s self-reported social and medical history for review
- Covering and managing the expectant birth mom’s approved living expenses during pregnancy- these funds are included in the fee (not billed separately)
- Helping the expectant birth family create a hospital plan and sharing it with all parties
- Collaborating with the adoption attorneys to ensure all requirements are met
- Providing continued guidance and support for both families throughout the match process.
$16,000
- Due within 7 days of being matched with a birth family (or at placement for an expedited adoption)
- If the birth family changes their mind before placement, half of this fee is refunded (the remaining half can typically be recouped through the federal adoption tax credit**)
- Payment accepted by check, ACH, or wire transfer
Placement Fee
This fee covers the services and support provided at the time of placement and beyond. It includes:
- Coordinating the hospital experience and providing emotional support to everyone involved
- Overseeing the signing of adoption paperwork and court representation
- The Agency’s representation at adoption court hearings
- Comprehensive post-adoption support for the birth family, including grief support, case management, six weeks of postpartum living expenses, and connection to a supportive community of birth parents
- Lifelong access for your family to Adoption & Beyond for guidance, resources and support as your child grows
$16,000
- Due 30 days before the expected due date (or at placement for an expedited adoption)
- Refundable if the courts do not finalize your adoption
- Payment accepted by check, ACH, or wire transfer
Third-Party Domestic Adoption Fees
In addition to the fees you pay Adoption & Beyond, there are certain costs paid directly to third parties as part of the adoption process. These may include things like legal fees, medical expenses, or counseling for the expectant birth mom. Because every adoption is unique, these costs vary and are harder to estimate.
We provide typical ranges to help you plan ahead, but please know these are only estimates. Actual costs will depend on your specific situation.
Type of Service
Amount
Due
- Every adoption requires attorneys for both your family and the expectant/birth family. These fees are paid directly to the attorneys and can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
- To help you, we provide a list of trusted, adoption-competent attorneys
$7,000+
- A retainer fee is typically due when you begin working with your attorney
In some cases, you may be responsible for medical costs that aren’t covered by insurance. These may include bills related to pregnancy, the baby’s birth, or paternity testing.
- Most medical expenses are covered by insurance or Medicaid, but if they are not, you may be billed
- Costs vary widely depending on circumstances
- Your family’s health insurance can usually cover your child as soon as they are placed with you (and sometimes, from birth). We recommend checking with your insurance company and making sure they are aware of the ERISA Act of 1974.
- Occasionally, an adoptive family’s insurance plan will also cover some of the expectant birth mom’s medical expenses
$0- $12,000+/ if there is no medical insurance coverage
- Due upon receipt of a medical bill or invoice
While costs vary by case, here’s a look at how the numbers typically work out:
Total minimum cost before tax credit: $45,000*
Less the Federal Adoption Tax Credit: – $17,280**
Approximate net cost after tax credit: = $27,720
*Actual costs vary depending on the complexity of your adoption.
**Learn more about the current tax credit amount and eligibility on the IRS website.
If you’re also looking for information on home study fees, you can find that breakdown here.
If you’re still gathering information, our Ultimate Guide to Adopting a Child is a great next step. It walks you through the entire journey, from your very first questions to bringing your child home.