[jaenelle]

While DH and I would love to do an international adoption, it looks very expensive. The domestic programs I have looked at seem very expensive too. We would make enough to support a child but the additional expense of getting the child here would definitely be a problem.

Do you guys have any idea how we could find an adoption that is less expensive?

Thanks.

[mlbsands]

What would be in-expensive to you?? for that everyone is a bit different.. Have you considere foster-adopt? Or adopting a waiting child or do you want an infant?

Independant domestic adoption can be fairly in-expensive (less that $12,000 or so) or even less than $5000 if you adopt from the same state..

Mandy

[jaenelle]

Well, we would somehow come up with the money for whatever we had to do, but it might take a long time... that's my main objection. I'm getting to be pretty old to not have any kids, and in the interest of saving the time it would take to save up money, I am investigating less expensive options.

I would consider inexpensive to be less than $10,000, all-inclusive.

Bottom line, DH and I would rather spend our money on the child once we have it rather than spending it all to get the child here.

I would rather have an infant as this is likely going to be my only shot at parenthood. Not necessarily newborn, but certainly under a year old when we bring it home. It must be basically healthy -- we don't have the resources to handle health problems. Race isn't important.

[mlbsands]

Hey there.. have you guys gotten a homestudy yet?? Since you are open to any race.. there are actually many more possibilities for you guys.. What state are you in? Do you know if you have to use any agency or if you can go independant? or if you can use a facilitator??

Mandy

[jaenelle]

We haven't even begun the process... we can't until my DH is done with nursing school, which he hasn't even started. There'll be no way to afford a child until at least then. Also, from everything I've read you have to be married at least two years to adopt and we've only been married since January. We're in Kansas. And as far as I know we would be willing to use whatever option got us a child that was young, healthy, and without breaking the bank.

[mlbsands]

Well its great that you are looking into it now so that you can be prepared.. looks like you will have some time since you said he has not yet started school..

One thing others have suggested before is to start saving by start putting the money away that you will spend everyone month on formula/diapers/clothes etc..

You may also want to look into being foster parents with the state?? And have yourself listed as foster/adopt.. Not only will this give you experience with kids.. but also make you available for a state adoption which can be VERY in-expensive.. (my friend paid a total of $80.00).

Also.. some use the pay from fostercare to help fund the adoption.

Anyway, just some thoughts..

Mandy