Cost Of International Adoption

Compared to most domestic adoption expenses, the cost of international adoption is cumulatively the highest option out there. This is due in part to travel fees, visas, legal costs and the occasional mandatory philanthropic donation to a child's orphanage. Overall, international adoption fees fall between $12,000 and $40,000.

The country from which a child is adopted greatly affects the overhead cost. Korea, for example, has about a $13,000 adoption fee whereas adoption program fees in Romania and India are between $7,000 and $8,000. These agency fees, though, may include passport and translator expenses. Therefore, it's important to make clear what fees are expected by an agency.

A fee that isn't exclusive to domestic and international adoptions is the homestudy. These cost between $300 and $3,000. Keep in mind that international homestudies differ from domestic homes studies.

Travel fees are obviously variable to the market and season and some countries may require a couple to visit twice before an adoption is finalized. Airfare is also only a part of the total travel expenses, lodging and meals are also going to add up quickly during a stay. Certain countries, like China, also ask for a significant donation be made to the orphanage a child is adopted from. This can be a few thousand dollars or a large donation of goods.

On the legal cost of international adoption, the Federal forms can cost about a grand as can dossier fees, which will help expedite the adoption paperwork. International adoption attorneys are also on a huge sliding scale and can run between $400 and $4,000.