[mommymarz]

Hey Browntap,
We also used an agency that provided everything except the attorney for finalization. We are in CA and used Holy Family Services. They have a sliding scale based on income and a cap of I think $12K. We did 2 infant adoptions for less than $18K.
Their fees included the homestudy, post placement visits and a contribution of $1.5K to a birthmom medical expense fund to provide care for those without medical insurance. They gave us a list of attorneys and we chose the one we like and it only cost us $300 for finalization. The fees are also spread out during the process. Soemthing like 30% at homestudy, 30% at placement and 40% at 90days post placement.

With the federal adoption tax credit and CA Adoption Assistance Plan monthly checks we came out ahead of the game.

We initially contacted a few facilitators but the bottomless money arrangement, the need to coordinate many uncovered requirements such as homestudy and post placement visists and the lack of counseling for the birthmoms made us chose an agency adoption.

Our agency even has support groups for aparents during the process and a social group for post placement.

Agency adoption isn't right for everyone, especially those who may not want to wait 2-3 years for a baby. Both our girls are biracial and we only waited 16 months.
Good luck in your search for the adoption journey that is right for you.
Mommy Marz
amom to Nora 6 and Carly 3