Adopting a child is a life-changing event filled with equal parts joy and uncertainty. One of the biggest questions prospective adoptive parents in North Carolina often have is, “How much does adoption cost?” The truth is, there is no single, straightforward answer, as adoption expenses can vary widely.
This blog breaks down the key factors that contribute to the overall cost of adoption. From legal fees to home study requirements and beyond, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview to help you understand and plan for the financial realities of growing your family through adoption.
Whether you’re considering domestic, international, or foster care adoption, knowing what to expect when it comes to the costs can make a daunting process feel much more manageable. Let’s dive in and explore the various expenses you may encounter on your adoption journey in North Carolina.
Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (919) 306-2899 to schedule your free, 15-minute consultation.
Domestic Infant Adoption
When it comes to adopting a newborn baby domestically in North Carolina, the costs can vary significantly. One of the determining factors is whether you choose to work with an adoption agency or a Raleigh adoption lawyer.
Working with an adoption agency, you can generally expect fees ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. Many agencies utilize an income-based sliding scale to determine the specific fees for each family.
You’ll need to complete a home study, which typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000. This home study must be updated every 18 months or whenever there is a significant change in your family, at an additional cost of $200 to $300.
Legal expenses are in addition to the agency and home study costs. Fees vary by state, the attorney’s experience and hourly rate, and the length and complexity of your adoption case.
International Adoption
When considering international adoption in North Carolina, the overall cost can vary significantly depending on the specific country you choose. On average, the cost of adoption in NC for an international placement typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000.
One factor that can impact the cost is whether the country you adopt from participates in the Hague Convention, an international treaty that helps streamline the process. Adopting from a Hague Convention country may be more straightforward than a non-Hague country.
Regardless of the country, international adoptions also require a home study. As we previously discussed, it generally costs between $2,000 and $3,000.
After a child is placed, additional immigration and legal requirements must be met before the adoption can be finalized. An experienced Raleigh adoption lawyer can guide you through the nuances of the international adoption process, and ensure the fulfillment of all necessary steps.
Stepchild Adoption
The prospective stepparent must be married to the child’s biological parent for at least six months, and the child must have lived with the stepparent during that time. If the child is over 12 years old, they must also give their consent to the adoption.
Legal expenses will vary depending upon whether the other biological parent 1) cooperates, 2) does not cooperate, but does not actively oppose the adoption, or 3) actively oppose the adoption by filing a written objection.
Stepchild adoptions in North Carolina do not require a full adoption home study; however, they do require post placement visits, reports, and a background check. These procedures are less expensive ($500-$1,000) than a full adoption home study ($2,000 -$3,000). With lawyers for adoption in your corner, this can be a relatively smooth and rewarding process for growing families.
Adult Adoption
For individuals 18 years of age or older, the cost of adoption in NC is significantly lower. Unlike adoptions of minor children, adult adoptions do not require the consent of biological parents. While the consent of the biological parents may not be required, the court may require that the biological parents be given notice.
Adoption as an adult can provide a valuable option for young adults who have “aged out” of the foster system, stepchildren who were not adopted as minors, and adults who have a long standing parent-child relationship and wish to establish a permanent legal family connection.
It typically takes 45-60 days to finalize an adult adoption.The cost of an adult adoption in North Carolina can range upward from $2,000.
Foster Care Adoption
Adopting a child from the foster care system in North Carolina can be a rewarding but complex process. Prospective parents must first become licensed foster parents, which involves a thorough assessment and training program. Children in foster care who are placed for adoption qualify for adoption assistance benefits, including a $2,000 reimbursement for legal expenses associated with finalizing the adoption.
The cost of foster care adoption in North Carolina can range upward from $2,000. The legal costs associated with finalizing the adoption can vary depending on the lawyers for adoption and whether the rights of the biological parents were terminated.
There is a policy trend toward pushing foster parents to accept legal guardianship status as the permanent plan instead of terminating the biological parents rights and making adoption the permanent plan.
The foster parents who are appointed as guardians do not receive the $2,000 reimbursement for legal expenses associated with finalizing the adoption. The policy shift also forces foster parents/guardians to pay the cost of terminating the biological parents’ legal rights. The increased cost for foster parents/guardians can be substantial.
Mills Adoption Law: Experience for What Matters Most – Family
Have you been searching online for a “Raleigh adoption lawyer?” Bobby Mills, founding attorney of Mills Adoption Law, has over 35 years of hands-on experience. Having represented all members of the adoption triad—adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees—he has seen things and can anticipate problems other attorneys will not anticipate. Through his work on thousands of cases, he truly understands how to navigate the legal system and stand up for families. If you are seeking to adopt a child in North Carolina, contact him at (919) 306-2899, or complete the online form to schedule your free, 15-minute consultation.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Mills Adoption Law
PO Box 445
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 306-2899
https://www.millsadoptionlaw.com/