[jenedens6102]

I've been doing some research on the agencies in the area that we may be interested in using. They all have their large figure with the disclosure that we also are responsible for the birth mother's medical expenses that are not covered by insurance or medicaid. My question is this: What happens if the adoption falls through? What if she changes her mind? I've read on many signatures that they were matched and then the match fell through. So I was wondering if this expense is nonrefundable or if it's originally covered by the agency then your responsible only if the match is a go or what. I knew about covering the expenses but I hadn't thought about what the situation would be if the adoption didn't follow through. Any input would be great, thanks!

[Emster]

At least in my state (IN) when you pay expenses, the mother has no requirement to pay them back if she chooses to parent. However, that being said, if the adoption does not take place prior to baby leaving the hospital, you will not be responsible for paying those expenses. To my knowledge expenses are not generally paid for by the agency. Agency fees are separate and any birthmother or medical expenses are paid through an attorney.

[jenedens6102]

I'm also in Indiana so your reply helps me tremendously. Thanks!

[StorkWatcher]

Our agency (or maybe it's an Indiana max?) had a cap on birthmother expenses.

If an expectant mother doesn't have insurance, then they help her file for Medicaid, and they file for Medicaid to cover the baby from birth to placement.

They also have the birthmom submit receipts and proof of bills before they'll okay any expenses being paid. I would be leery of the types of scenarios (I've read some posts on here that are very similar) where someone asks for money, even if it's through an attorney, and you just have to keep paying out and paying out.

You'll probably have to check w/ your specific agency/attorney once you decide on one, to see if they offer any refund in case of a failed placement. Some may only require expenses are paid near the end or at or after placement.

[Emster]

you're right stork, it is Indiana's law that no more than $3000 can go to birthmom expenses, but to clarify, that does not include medical expenses. And you're also right, I would never just give money to a birthfamily, but always go through the attorney with legit bills submitted by the family. I ahve also heard of adoption insurance that would reimburse you in case of failed placement but I'm not aware of how you go about getting it or if its even legal in indiana.

Our agency only asked for payment for things they had completed, i.e. home study and advertising, which would still be good for the remainder of the year if there was a failed placement. No placement fees until baby went home from hosptial. so those fees would roll over and still be going towards an adoption if not THAT adoption. kwim?

[ajrl]

I had a failed adoption in July in Indiana.

We were responsible to pay $3000 in bmom expenses. She was on medicaid so we did not have to worry about health insurance. When Our adoption failed we lost all the bmom expenses that were paid out up till that date. I lost over $1800. We will never be able to get that money back. The bmom is not liable to repay any of that money since it is considered a gift. And since there isnt a federal law all the bmom has to say is that she changed her mind. No one goes after them.

The only thing I can do is write it off as a failed adoption on our tax return.

AJ

[jenedens6102]

AJ,
That is kind of what I was afraid of. Granted I'll do what it takes but I wanted to verify if my thinking was correct. Thanks!