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When you are considering an agency.....here are some questions to ask:
Do these fees include the finalization of the adoption. (I've found that in some cases it does....but in many it does not. Hence, you would have to pay an attorney to finalize your adoption.)
Do these fees include counseling for the birthparents? (As Julianna already suggested.)
Do these fees include the medical costs for the birthmother? (We are listed with one agency where this basically does cover her costs....if there are any over her medical card.)
As far as money up front......this is very popular......but in my opinion, not very fair or practical......unless you have a lot of money to spread around or in some cases, 'throw away'. This means that if the birthparents change their minds......you're out. And many agencies and facilitators now will say, "Oh, not really.......we keep your money and find another situation for you." Well, that's great if you have lots of money; but it ties up your money to ever work with another agency or attorney.....if anything should come up! Personally, I would push to have it that you would not pay any money (other than application fees ((which shouldn't be huge))........and money that can be FULLY refunded...........UNTIL.........both birthparents have released that child for adoption! We are limited on our monies......and this is exactly what has happened to us in regards to trying to search. We have not lost any money; but we can't afford to place $5,000 at this agency.........and wait on ONE agency to find a placement for us. And yes, there ARE some agencies that do not take money until everything is signed! You just have to keep looking.
As far as amount......$16,000 seems high.....UNLESS this is also including the finalization amount. If not, many adoptions can be done through an agency for under $10,000 (including attorney's fees)......or certainly less than $15,000. It is a fact that many agencies and attorneys have hiked up their fees because of the adoption tax credit. Problem is, not everyone is able to use that credit. You can't believe the 'professionals' I have spoken with who have told me that it is money that is given to couples to reimburse them.........regardless of their deductibles, and tax owed. (They haven't done their homework!)
Hope this has helped.....
Sincerely,
Linny
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