How much does international adoption cost??? ?

luvnlife1

International adoption cost depends on a lot of things. Which country, which agency, race of child, age of child, gift to orphanage, travel costs (expect to spend about 3 weeks in the country the child is from) You really need to research agencies and find a good reputable one but International starts at about 14,000 without travel costs and goes up to around 30,000 plus travel.

anikkalane

About 15K on up. Really depends on your parameters. Older children and special needs may have reduced fees or sponsorships. Some countries are also less expensive. Also remember that the expenses don't all come at once, they are spread over the whole adoption timeline. Agency fees, homestudy fees, INS, translation, country fees, each are due at different times. So consider if you get a tax refund, bonus at work, etc, those can be planned out to help at the right times. Some fees, like some travel fees, can be charged, but most cannot.

Linny G

here are some great resources for anyone considering international adoption.

http://www.youtube.com/user/adoptedthemovie

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27859660

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=56499

Randy B

The costs for international adoptions can vary widely from country to country depending upon where you want to adopt from. They can even vary widely from family to family adopting from the same country depending upon the agencies involved and the orphanages on the other end.

So many factors come into play. Do either you or your husband have family in the country you want to adopt from? Where or are either of you also citizens there? What age do you want to adopt? What conditions/issues are you willing to accept...if any? How many people/agencies need to be involved? Its often not just a matter of dealing with an agency on your end, there are often agencies in the country you wish to adopt from as well as "middle men" along the way that help to facilitate things.

If you are serious about adopting internationally then start making calls to agencies in your area and find out what they can do for you. Find out how they operate and what their regulations are. Interview them and find out who can work best for you. Compare costs, compare services, look for hidden costs and find out about their track record in the same way you would research a contractor for your home. Not to say that they are the same thing but use the same process to check them out. In the end, they are working for you, you are not working for them.

At the same time though think about just why you want to adopt internationally. The costs are much higher then for domestic adoptions so it won't be because it's cheaper. It can take a few years so it may not be because it's faster. If it's a matter of you wanting an infant vice an older child then be aware that there are infants and younger children available through domestic adoption as well. Adoptions of children already in the foster care system domestically are generally free in most areas and they do have children of all ages and races available that are in need of good homes.

All I'm saying is, adopt where your heart takes you but temper that choice with what your mind tells you through the research you will need to do. Make sure you are aware of the alternatives so that you don't needlessly waste both time and money chasing a dream (international adoption) that may not be right for you. The more informed you are the better your choice will be.

Sophie

I think you should read up on the government rules and expectations regarding international or "intercountry" adoptions. I did alot of reading here about the different countries before making my decision to adopt internationally:

http://adoption.state.gov/

Best wishes!

Mom of two

In general, you should expect to spend $25k - $30k for domestic or international unless you foster to adopt.

sunny

Do some reading:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4508&page=0

http://www.unicef.org/media/media_41918.html

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