Amongst many other things, the cost of adoption is a substantial concern to most prospective adoptive parents. Understandably, most individuals or couples want and need to understand the amount of expenses they can expect in order to assess the feasibility of adoption or begin to budget and plan accordingly. Every state has its own set of rules that regulate a variety of facets of the adoption process; cost regulations are one of them. Considering every state has the ability to create laws and standards according to their discretion, it is fair to assume that not every state is the same and therefore your knowledge of Kansas’s adoption laws is necessary. Kansas has created statutes that specifically address certain adoption expense and cost regulations. Knowing these prior to beginning the adoption process will help you adequately prepare and educate you in terms of what to expect financially.
Birth Parents Expenses and Reimbursements
The state of Kansas allows for certain types of expenses incurred on behalf of the mother or the child to be paid for by the adoptive parents (Ann. Stat. § 59-2121(a)). These include most medical expenses incurred by the mother directly related to the pregnancy or birth of the child. They also include a reasonable amount of living expenses that result due to the pregnancy on behalf of the mother. There are also specific restrictions on what cannot be paid for in terms of pregnancy or birth expenses in the state of Kansas (Ann. Stat. § 59-2121(c)). Expenses that are considered to be excessive in nature or outside the scope of the pregnancy are prohibited. The statute also continues to add that fees for legal and professional services performed outside of the State shall not exceed the customary fees for similar services performed within the State.
Other Reasonable Expenses and Required Accountings
The listed allowable and restricted expenses are not exhaustive and it is important to fully educate yourself regarding the applicable statues or speak to an experienced Kansas Adoption Attorney. There are many additional regulations surrounding the adoption process, and most are based on the concept of reasonableness. For example, payments for arranging an adoption or relinquishing a child are not permissible, however a reasonable amount of fees for legal or professional services is acceptable. A reasonable fee to a licensed child-placing adoption agency is also permitted based on Kansas statutes. The state may also require an accounting of all expenses in order to assess reimbursements or coverage.
Call an Experienced Kansas Adoption Attorney to Understand What Adoption Costs You Can Expect
Because adoption laws vary according to state, it is important to contact a Kansas Adoption Lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in the area of adoption costs and expenses according to Kansas law. Tom McDowell has answered many family’s questions for over 40 years and helped them to successfully grow through adoption. Call Kansas Adoption Lawyer Tom McDowell, at McDowell Chartered Legal Services today (316) 633-4322 to see how he can help you get started with your adoption.