The Houston Family Law Blog


Adoption Overview

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So you're looking to adopt a child, but you are not quite sure about the lengthy process or the amount of money that's involved? While adopting a child can be expensive, it can also be a rewarding experience.

FindLaw reports that the total cost of adopting can be anywhere from $0 to more than $40,000, depending on a number of factors that include the type of adoption, the type of placement agency or facilitator, and the child's age at the time of adoption. For example, a foster care adoption typically ranges from $0 to $2,500, whereas intercountry adoptions can cost up to $30,000. This is because agencies that provide intercountry adoption services require money for immigration processing and court costs.

Independent adoption costs can reach $40,000 because costs may include medical expenses for the birth mother, as well as separate legal fees for both the adoptive and birth parents. Adoption requires a consent agreement by the parent, or a person or agency acting in place of a parent, to give up the child for adoption and to release all rights and duties with respect to that child. This process alone can lead to a high cost in legal fees.

While it's not a requirement to have a lawyer involved in the adoption process, tt could be a good idea to have a Houston family law attorney by your side to help draft the adoption petition and to represent you at the hearing. To find a Houston family law attorney, visit FindLaw's directory. For more information in general, please visit our Related Resources.

Related Resources:

  • Adoption Court Procedures FAQ (FindLaw)
  • The Adoption Option: Types of Adoption (FindLaw)
  • Houston Family Law Attorney Directory  (FindLaw)

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