[hopefulmommy2b]

It seems as though a lot of the agencies we are looking at require a bulk of the money due to them for the entire adoption by the time we complete putting our profile together (but definitely before they start showing our profile to birthmoms). Is this normal?? I feel like we're about to lay out 80% of the total fee before the agency has really done any work on our part based on our trust of the agency alone.

[blessedbybug]

Originally Posted by hopefulmommy2b

It seems as though a lot of the agencies we are looking at require a bulk of the money due to them for the entire adoption by the time we complete putting our profile together (but definitely before they start showing our profile to birthmoms). Is this normal?? I feel like we're about to lay out 80% of the total fee before the agency has really done any work on our part based on our trust of the agency alone.

I think it is "normal" in some places. But I wouldn't do it. We paid for services as they happened.

[jren]

While we did have some agency fees at first, they were minimal and mostly for services provided. But it did add up. There was a fee for required educational classes, home study fee, enrollment fee, video fee, and a fee to have our profile placed in the book. All of this was probably around $5K range, but that was 5 years ago. I think now if we used the same agency, it would be closer to $7K range. Oh, and we were also required to put $750 in escrow for potential medical or living expenses, but we were returned that since it wasn't used. The bulk of the cost was at match.

[devildogwife]

We did (almost 10k) and I was a nervous wreck afterwards. Not something I think we'd do again.

[Linny]

I think it's common; but not 'normal'. I say that, because I think more and more agencies/attorneys/faciliators are looking to 'guarantee their monies'.....but that DOESN'T guarantee your having a baby, KWIM?
I wouldn't do it; we've never done it.

Now...when you're talking about money for the homestudy? Of course. Money put down JUST for a homestudy makes sense because the agency has to come out, write it up, etc. While our agencies haven't asked for monies up front for this, it could be because we've adopted so many times and they know we're serious....I don't know.
But, this 'matching money'...is ridiculous, IMO. My personal belief, (and I've written this before) is that all monies should be paid once placement has occurred, aleviating the pressure on anyone to place....but that's just me.

I understand a couple hundred (I guess) to register with an agency in order to open your file; I understand money for a homestudy (which you should be able to take away from there and give to any entity in searching for your baby), and I understand paying at placement, once a birthmother has decided this is what she really wants to do.
Don't fall for the 'ohhh, and if the biologicalparents decide they don't want to place, your money rolls over for another situation and we put you right at the top of the list' song and dance. The agency seldom chooses the family for a baby; and, in the meantime, should you find another situation through another entity, your money is tied up with a specific agency/attorney!
Your money is your money......keep it that way. Unless you're wealthy and can afford to lose money, choose an agency that doesn't require too much for apps, for potential situations. A few hundred would be all I'd recommend to anyone to place up front.

Sincerely,

Linny

[Whirled_Peas]

Originally Posted by Linny

A few hundred would be all I'd recommend to anyone to place up front.

Could you pm me with any agencies you know that only ask minimal, or none, up front.

Thanks