Adoption Expenses
This blog concludes a 3 part series on Adoption Expenses. If you missed an earlier installment, you can find Part 1 here, and Part 2 here.
Last week, we talked about why adoption costs so much. The agency fees, court costs, and many other variables determine how much an adoption will cost and costs can range anywhere from $0–$50,000. This can be discouraging for families interested in adopting, wondering if it will be possible. The good news is, it is common for adopting families to get some form of assistance. From employee programs to a federal tax credit, there are numerous ways an adopting family can help cover some of those costs.
Every adoption is special and unique throughout the entire process. It is important to get a firm grasp on what your specific case is going to need financially. Being prepared and fully understanding what it’s going to cost can help you set up a financial plan. Creating a time-line and budget is a great start! Seeing the big picture can help you assess your savings and determine if you will need some additional assistance.
If your savings don’t quite cover your adoption costs, that’s okay! There are alternative methods for funding, including:
- Employee adoption assistance
- Grants
- Military adoption benefits
- The adoption federal tax credit
- State tax credits
- Church funding
- Refinancing your home
- Fundraising
- Personal loan
- Adoption loan
- Line of credit
- Credit card
- Borrowing from friends and family
- Borrow from 401K
Don’t let the cost of adoption stop you from adopting. Every year, thousands of families complete the adoption process without having all their money in savings. If you would like to learn more about some of these options, be sure to check out my recent video as well as our financial aid resources.