[DawnMN]

Hello,
I hope someone can answer a question or two for me:
We are begining the process of adopting an infant boy. We are about 99% sure we are going thru Korea. Some questions that have come up during my research:
What are the post adoption costs? (post adopt reports, finalization)
When does the tax credit kick in, the year of homecoming or the year the finalization in the US happens?
What about health insurance - I was reading on another board that their HMO would not cover the baby until adoption was final - and with Korea I understand you finalize a year after homecoming ?
Thanks for your help!

[ahfdragonfly]

Total adoption costs for us will be around $20,000. The fnalization costs can vary depending on your lawyer. I have heard of 3 different lawyers in our area ranging from ~$800 - $3,000. Your agency should give you a breakdown of what all the costs are, and when they are due. From application fee to post adoption visits.

The tax credit is available to you the year that you finalize, this may or may not be the same year that they come home. (You are eligible to finalize 6 mos after homecomming.) For ex: CJ came home in '05, but we will finalize in '06, all of our adoption expenses will be claimed under the adoption tax credit in '06. However, we are able to claim her as a dependant on our '05 taxes.

Your HMO must cover your child from the day your child is place in your home by a liscensed adoption agency. They may require some paperwork from your agency, but your child will be covered.

Millie

[Babybmine]

I think it varies state to state. But here in VA post placement is 300.00 a visit x three visits= 900.00. For the lawyer to do finalization, we have found that 800.00-1000.00 seems to be the norm. Hope this helps
Carla

[abcolo]

We were able to finalize four months after our son came home, so I think it depends on the county. As for insurance, it should be covered at placement, not finalization. Costs are all over the board. I think ours are in our program fees, so it was about an additional $250 for the court stuff on top of program fees to finalize.

Andrea

[adoptkoreablog]

I agree with Millie's post. For the best estimate of cost, you need to get it from your agency. If it is a reputable agency and a non-profit, they have disclose the costs upfront.

We have an HMO and they covered our son from the day he arrived based on the placement information that our agency gave us. I work with benefits so the best thing to do is to contact your benefits representative and have them pull the exact language from your plan document. That way you know exactly what documents you need from your agency.

Good Luck!
Mo

[abcolo]

Dawn

Are you in Minnesota? If so you are probably using the same agency as us.

Andrea

[JackHenryEmma]

It is illegal for your HMO not to cover your child the minute you take your child home. Coverage does not start at finalization.

Julie

[abcolo]

I sent you two personal messages on the other board. Your box is full here Dawn!

Andrea