Adoption Costs
Understanding the financial side of adoption is an important part of preparing for your journey. At Open Arms Adoption Co., we want prospective adoptive families to understand the major costs, what each payment covers, and when payments are generally due.
Our listed base costs total approximately $9,500, with certain legal, court, professional, interstate, or case-specific expenses potentially varying.
Know What to Expect Before You Begin
Domestic newborn adoption involves several stages, and costs are generally connected to different parts of the process.
We separate the major payments so families can see what they are paying for rather than receiving one unexplained total.
Approximately $9,500
This represents the current base amounts for the application, home study, agency program, and approximate post-placement/legal finalization stage.
Where Your Adoption Costs Go
Each stage has a specific purpose. Below is the current fee structure for prospective adoptive families working with Open Arms.
Application
The initial application begins the agency process and allows our team to evaluate your inquiry and begin establishing your client relationship.
- 85% refundable: $425
- Non-refundable portion: $75
- Subject to applicable terms
Once you move forward, this stage includes opening your client file, assigning a caseworker, and beginning the administrative process.
Home Study & Background Check
The home study is a required part of the adoption preparation process and evaluates whether your home and family are prepared for adoption.
- Required background checks
- Financial documentation
- Medical documentation
- Remote video interviews
- In-person home safety walkthrough
- Formal home-study documentation
Agency Program
After your home study is approved, your family can enter the active agency program. This fee covers the ongoing agency work involved in supporting your adoption journey.
- Case management
- Matching coordination
- Communication support
- Professional coordination
- Administrative work
- Placement coordination
Post-Placement & Legal Finalization
After placement, additional professional and legal work continues until the adoption can be finalized.
- Adoption attorney services
- Court filing and legal work
- Required post-placement reports
- Applicable interstate clearance
- Final court hearing
- Final adoption decree
This amount is separate from the $5,000 agency program fee.
The $5,000 Agency Program Fee Is Split Into Two Payments
The agency program fee is not due all at once. It is divided between the beginning of your active program and the point at which an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
First 50%
$2,500Due when your home study has been approved and your family enters the active agency program.
Remaining 50%
$2,500Due when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement, according to the applicable agreement and circumstances of the adoption.
Our Work Continues While You Wait
The agency program fee supports the professional work required to maintain your active adoption file and coordinate the process when an appropriate opportunity develops.
Case Management
Your caseworker remains a point of contact and helps guide your family through the agency process.
Matching Coordination
We coordinate the agency-side work involved when an appropriate adoption opportunity develops.
Communication
We help coordinate communication between your family, expectant parents, and the professionals involved.
Professional Coordination
Adoption may involve social workers, attorneys, hospitals, other agencies, and courts. We help coordinate with the appropriate professionals.
Administrative Support
Your agency file, documentation, communications, and required administrative work are maintained throughout the process.
Placement Support
When an opportunity moves toward placement, our team helps coordinate the agency-side steps involved in the transition.
Some Adoption Costs May Vary
The listed $9,500 represents the base amounts described by Open Arms. Certain expenses can depend on the specific circumstances of an adoption.
Legal & Court Expenses
Attorney services, court requirements, filings, and other legal expenses may vary depending on the circumstances of the adoption.
Interstate Requirements
When an adoption involves more than one state, additional coordination or clearance requirements may apply.
Professional Services
Certain social-work, medical, counseling, or other professional services may have costs that depend on the individual case.
Case-Specific Expenses
Some adoption circumstances require additional services or expenses that cannot be determined until the details of the case are known.
Important: Adoption costs can vary depending on the circumstances of an individual adoption. The amounts shown on this page are intended to provide a clear overview of the current base fee structure and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every adoption will have exactly the same total cost. Open Arms can explain expected costs and payment timing for your particular situation before you proceed.
Payments Are Connected to the Adoption Process
Rather than requiring the full base amount at the beginning, the major payments are associated with different stages of your adoption journey.
Beginning
Your $500 application fee is paid when you begin the agency application process.
After Application
The $1,000 home-study fee applies when you proceed into the home-study and evaluation stage.
After Home-Study Approval
The first $2,500 portion of the agency program fee is due when your home study is approved and you enter the active agency program.
Match or Placement
The remaining $2,500 portion of the agency program fee is due when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
Questions About Payment Arrangements?
We understand that adoption is a significant financial commitment. If you need to discuss payment timing or available payment arrangements, our team can explain what options may be available before you move forward.
Adoption Cost Questions
How much does the adoption process cost?
The current listed base costs total approximately $9,500. This includes the $500 application, $1,000 home study, $5,000 agency program fee, and approximately $3,000 for post-placement and legal finalization.
Is the $500 application fee refundable?
85% of the $500 application fee, or $425, is refundable. The remaining $75 is non-refundable, subject to the applicable terms.
When is the $5,000 agency fee paid?
It is divided into two $2,500 payments. The first is due after home-study approval when your family enters the active program. The second is due when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
Is the $3,000 finalization amount part of the $5,000 agency fee?
No. The approximately $3,000 post-placement and legal finalization amount is separate from the $5,000 agency program fee.
Can the total cost be different?
Yes. Legal, court, interstate, professional, and other case-specific expenses can vary depending on the circumstances of an individual adoption.
Can I ask about payment arrangements?
Yes. Contact our team to discuss payment timing and any available payment arrangements before proceeding to the applicable stage.
Let's Talk About Your Adoption Journey
Understanding the financial side of adoption is important. If you have questions about the fees, payment timing, or what may apply to your situation, our team is here to help.
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