How much is it to adopt a child?

Adoption costs range depending on if one is adopted within their country or choosing international adoption. Domestic adoption costs range from $20,000 - $30,000. The total cost includes an application fee, the agency fee (which is the bulk of the fee), a home visit and background checks, the birth mother's expenses (each state has limits on how much you can pay), medical expenses, a rematch fee (if the potential parents decline a baby), a termination rights fee, and a father's termination rights fee. Other expenses may include travel costs to where the biological mother gives birth, attorney fees if working with an agency and medical insurance. While international adoption can range from up to $50,000 depending on the country of choice. The total covers the agency application fee, a home study fee (where a social worker makes sure your home and family are ready for a baby), background checks, processing fees, a program fee (which includes the agency's fee and the "donation" the foreign country requires), travel costs, and fees for post-placement and adoption finalization. Some countries require a smaller donation fee, which often funds the country's orphanage system.