[mvoss6]

Hi all,

I've been trying to choose an agency and have read a lot on costs to adopt. But I'm getting varying prices from agencies - anywhere from $10,000-$35,000 which is a huge difference. Part of me doesn't know if it's better to go cheaper and then not getting a good process on this or if by paying more we are getting ripped off. I hate either feeling. Can you all PM with your totals just to give me an idea of what your adoption cost?

Thank you!
Maria

[yaddakal]

Hi, We had the same thoughts. Once you get into the process the fees all about even out. You can look at agency fees and go by that or just post on the board asking who loves their agency. I like my agency but it would be interesting to see who loves their agency and go by that I think.
Good luck!

[WVUMom418]

This subject has come up numerous times in the past and I believe the norm is $28K+. I don't know what you would be getting for $10K.

You really need to compare apples to apples for what the agency would be doing for you. For instance, some people on this forum have had to get all of their documents authenticated and certified themselves whereas, I paid extra to my agency but they took care of all that for me. I only provided all the documents to them and then they did the legwork it was worth the extra money to me not to have to worry about this.

Also review contracts to see if you will be required to pay additional fees for foster care if your adoption process was to take longer than a certain amount of time. All of these things add up and you need to make sure that the prices you are comparing is for the same service.

Good luck.

[mvoss6]

Kelly: I pm'ed you.

Joan: Thank you so much for your insight! Do you mind letting me know which agency you chose?

THANK YOU!
Maria

[Pipercub]

Our agency fees were apx $5,500
Our foreign fee (paid attorney's, foster care, foreign expenses, etc.) were apx. $19,000
Our homestudy and post-placement reports (5 post placement reports) were apx. $2,500
The I-600A form was $545 plus $70 for each person fingerprinted (same fee for everyone)
The DNA testing is $470 (I believe the fee is the same for everyone)
We spent apx $300 on passports, copying documents, mailing documents express shipping to be certified and authenticated
We will spend apx $2,400 each time on two separate trips (for us, that is paying for airfair, food, hotel for 3 people) = apx. $4,800 travel expenses.

In total, our adoption expenses will be apx. $33,500.

I have never heard of a Guatemalan adoption completed for $10,000.

[DPline]

We spent about $62,000 on two adoptions. It is hard to separate the costs out because they were overlapping, but just say $31,000 each. That was with three visits and two pickup trips - one involving a first class flight on 18 hours notice that was NOT cheap. But agency and attorney fees have gone up since then also, so it probably about balances out.

I think that WVUMom418 hit on it exactly. You have to make sure you are comparing apples and apples.

[jules17]

Our costs are in line with those who have shared.

Keep in mind, you get a tax break with the adoption tax credit.

Julie

[mvoss6]

Thank you so much for your responses! I agree, I'm not sure what you get for $10,000. We won't be going with them.

Maria

[TyAva]

When I was deciding on an agency - I narrowed it down to the 5 or so that I thought had the best reputation and them made a chart up so that I was comparing apples to apples. Some list thing differently. Just make sure that you add in all of the costs. (They were all within a couple of thousand of each other.)

[DeeVee]

From my research, I found that most agencies charge between $4000-6500 in fees, and that may or may not include post-placements and document authentication.

Then add the Guatemalan country fee, (high when you compare it to some of the other IA programs) which is $18,000 - $22,000. Then add the costs of filing your I600A, DNA testing, certifying and authenticating documents, visit trip, pick-up trip, etc.

It will cost us $30,000 - 35,000 by the time we're done, includng visit and pick-up trips.

[TerriBB]

Remember too that the higher fees don't mean that you'll get the baby home any sooner!

I agree with putting all of the information on paper and comparing them...then ask for "favorite agencies".

Good luck!!

[mvoss6]

I completely agree, Terri. I definitely do not think more expensive means faster, but at the same time I do not want to pay a very low fee and end up with a huge hassle.

I just need to find the right agency for us.

Thanks!
Maria