[hipadres]

The agency we are working with is quoting us about $35,000 for a domestic newborn adoption. We have to pay an additional $10,000 because we are out of state and have to use a separate agency homestudy, post placement, etc. and travel. Our state has very limited options for adoption. When I evaluated the costs, $4500 is allotted to 'advertising'. They say we have to pay that if the birthmother calls a hot line. They say every birthmother that is successfully matched, the hot line charges $8000 so we share that cost with the agency. This is just one of the charges that seems a little questionable to me. I'm so excited about a potential match, but the financials don't add up and the agency told me I have to discuss the costs with their lawyer, but she won't call me back, after more than a week. Any input would be so appreciated. You can PM me if you'd rather. Thank you.

[txwannabemom]

If it doesn't seem right it probably isn't. Although the amount you mentioned is similar to others I've heard, if your instinct is that something is funny- don't do it. AND I can't see why you'd want/need to talk to their lawyer, talk to your own. Go with a well known agency, it might be a little more costly in the long run, but better to not get ripped off I think.

[finallyamom0310]

We had advertising expenses too but nothing to the extent you are mentioning. I would research other national agencies and I am sure you will find one that is more reasonable I never had to pay for a hotline expense and we adopted out of state.

[GoddessDanu]

$35,000?!?!?!?! Wow...and I was complaining about the $3000 the agency wanted for our adoption. Luckily the state of Oregon restarted the program that pays for foster care adoption so we're not paying a dime.

I totally agree that you need to have a lawyer look over the fees. I don't know about you but I think $35,000 is a huge amount of money and you want to make sure that it's all accounted for. Adoption is such an emotional process that the last thing you need on your mind is worrying that your agency is ripping you off.

Good luck!

[jp4ga]

Adoption agencies do not work out of the "goodness"of their hearts. They are out to make a buck. Our agency had similar fees. However, they did not do the proper background checks on the bmom and we are now stuck with additional attorney fees, and had to fight in court to put a scammer and child abuser behind bars. We did get to keep the baby, but our agency fees were around 27,000, ended up paying over 47,000 after paying all the court cost and attorney fees. It sucks, but high fees are the price we pay with some agencies. Keep looking you may find an agency with lower fees that will do a better job.

[Linny]

We were never into the adoption of a healthy CC baby; but I have to say the fees sound too high. Further, anytime an agency is charging 10k more---just because you live out of state, is a point I'd be very leary of.
As the PP stated, agencies don't work out of the goodness of their hearts....though there are some decent and good-hearted folks out there, believe me. However, when it comes to fees such as you've written; and the 'reasonings' for them-------I'd be searching for another agency, period.

Sincerely,

Linny

[leenie71]

I'm working with a facilitator, which most people generally think costs more, but it doesn't. Cheaper than a large, popular traditional agency where I am. Anyway, 35K definitely sounds like too much to me!! If you check around, you could do it much more inexpensively. I don't get the extra charge for being out of state....why?? It sounds like you're already signed with them...if you're questioning their charges now, talk to your lawyer as other pp's have said.

[sbaglio]

That's way too much. If it sounds shady, it probably is. We adopted out of state (TX from MD), and the only extra in fees that we had to pay was for ICPC. Unless this is the only agency you can work with, I'd keep looking.