What Is the Cost of International Adoption?

The Decision is Made--Now How Much?

• The choice to adopt overseas happens because a family wants a young child. The wait in the United States for a child under 2 years may take a decade. International adoption moves faster. Other families may want to provide opportunities to a child. Once the decision is made, adoption agencies are studied, and suddenly the steep price tag appears. This stops adoptive parents in their tracks. The general cost for international adoption is around $30,000. There are also hidden costs above this figure.

Basic Fees

• Basic fees can range anywhere from $10,000 to over $30,000. Adoption agencies receive a portion of the fees. Fees generally include a dossier, immigration costs, court costs both in the U.S. and the adoptive country, and a donation to the foreign agency or orphanage. This does not include the home study. This takes several months and is required for both domestic and foreign adoptions. Home studies must be completed before any other steps are taken. Costs start around $1,000 and can top $3,000.

Additional Fees

• More fees follow each adoption step. South and Central American nations charge child foster care. Any medical care or treatments will have to be covered. Traveling to the adoptive country, which is required in some adoptions, can have considerable hotel and airfare costs. Countries providing absentee adoption will require child escort fees. Translation, passport and visa fees are all necessary. A foreign attorney may be necessary. Children have to undergo a medical exam before a travel visa is issued to the United States. Court costs are also required, as well as a fingerprinting fee.

Little Extra Costs to Consider

• While fees are outlined for each adoption step, there are hidden costs. Traveling to a foreign country requires food and transportation costs. Lost wages to travel must be considered. Siblings will either accompany you or you must line up child care for at least two weeks. You will need to purchase new clothing for your adoptive child. Young children will need disposable diapers and other items. China, for example, requires parents take a sight-seeing tour to better understand local culture, entailing expenses. Guides and escorts assisting in navigating the country and to and from court proceedings will warrant expenditures. And you will want to bring home a few souvenirs from your travels.

Tax Credits and Exclusions

• There are some tax credits that can be taken. Since every situation is different, you should consult an accountant. The IRS also offers publications outlining adoption credits and exclusions. Apply for an IRS Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number to proceed with any tax benefits. Some are singular to domestic adoption while some can be taken for foreign adoptions.

Raising Money

• At least $30,000 can seem daunting. Yet people adopt internationally every day and they find ways to pay the costs. Some go back to adopt even more children. How do they do it? Some employers offer benefits that may offset the loss of wages or even offer money. Contact a human resource manager in your company. There are specific adoption loans and grants. Loans can involve a home equity line of credit. Other couples take second jobs, with the extra money saved specifically for the adoption.

Other Funding Possibilities

• Some families set up small home-based businesses to fund the adoption. Some sell cookbooks they have created or T-shirts. Others hold raffles. Garage sales can help with the travel costs. One option is to ask family members for low-interest loans or for outright gifts. Ask for contributions to the baby fund instead of gifts on birthdays and holidays. Churches also can be a godsend for couples needing to raise funds. Rallies and bake sales, benefit concerts and special offerings all dissuade the costs. Set up an adoption fund. Those contributing can receive a tax deductions, although you may not be able to claim these funds for tax credits. An accountant can navigate you through funding and make dreams of international adoption a reality.