[Michelle Nord]

What are some of the prices you see out there and what agencies should I look into? Has anyone ever adopted without an agency from Kazachstan? Michelle

[Delmom]

I know that there seems to be a lot of different price ranges for agencies who do Kazakhstan adoption. This is our second adoption and really after the first I didn't see how we would be able to do it again (especially since I am a SAHM now).

But in my opinion this isn't an area to cut costs. Choosing your in-country agency is the most important part in a Kaz adoption. First look at who's doing the job and doing it well. Check out family blogs and Kaz message boards.

You aren't going to save any money if you get over there and have to come home because of agency problems (not common but it happens). Or if your trip home is delayed because of ???? (more common). It seemed the families who went with agencies that I hadn't heard of before or heard bad things about had longer stays and more trouble getting appointments.

Changing agencies isn't cheap either and we know that from experience.

BTW- We did consider dealing directly with our in-country coordinator this time and not have a US agency, but there were too many "what if's" that we weren't comfortable with.

[hml1976]

Ditto everything that Delmom said. Every story I've heard of independent adoption in Kaz has turned into a nightmare. Your agency in Kazakhstan is extremely important, and worth every extra penny. If an agency is quoting you a total cost of less than 30K (homestudy, dossier, travel, and agency costs) I would be suspicious.

[mlb]

I agree with both posts above. Check with other families who worked with the agency, definitely more than one. Ask for references, and post of the website for provate messages. I was NOT happy with our first agency for a couple reasons, though they are popular where I live. If someone ask, I will be honest about that. And, there costs are comparable. So research all aspects of the adoption, not just the $. Good luck!

[mommy2bee2008]

mlb..can you pm me with your agency? we are considering one and want to make sure I learn as much as I can before we sign on with one..thanks!
Have a greaet 4th