The adoption process has successfully helped create new families for many years. However, seeing as there are many individuals involved, the question of who pays for certain expenses if often asked. The expenses prospective parents or mothers are required to pay are regulated by state law and can vary state to state. Therefore, it is best to have a clear understanding of who is required or should pay for certain facets of the adoption process prior to entering into an adoption, so all parties are clear on what to expect.
Many prospective adoptive parents may be concerned with the expenses of adopting a child, and usually have questions prior to beginning the adoption process. It is important to know the costs prior to initiating to ensure you are educated and all parties are able to cover necessary costs with or without adequate insurance. With proper knowledge and insight as to available options and resources, many adoptive parents are able to adequately plan and make informed decisions.
Mother’s Expenses
There is no cost for a mother to put her unborn baby up for adoption. However, many states, including Kansas, offer a variety of paid expenses for the birth mother from the prospective adoptive parents. This often includes medical, legal, counseling and sometimes living expenses. Many states vary on whether expenses, specifically living expenses paid to a birth mother, place undue pressure on her to follow through with the adoption process. Kansas does allow for living expenses to be reimbursed to a birth mother. Many states vary on whether or not the birth mother should reimburse any living expenses paid by adoptive parents. A Kansas Adoption Lawyer can educate you as a mother or a prospective parent on which expenses will be owed and which may be reimbursed.
Adoptive Parents’ Expenses
All prospective adoptive parents must complete a Home Study at their own expense. Despite the type of adoption you decide to pursue, whether a public agency or privately, a Home Study must be conducted. A Home Study provides an opportunity for an agency to get to know the prospective parents, educate them on the adoptive process, evaluate their home environment and assess other necessary details. This helps ensure they are suitable and also that there is a fitting match between the child and the parents.
The agency will gather an abundance of information, submit a report containing their recommendations and outline a description of necessary details regarding the fitness of the prospective parents. Depending on the type of adoption you pursue, whether public or private, the cost to complete a Home Study could be completely waived or could cost the parents upwards of $3,000. Oftentimes this fee may be included within the overall private adoption cost. Regardless, all amounts and agreed upon costs should be stated in writing and all parties should be aware of such information.
Court System Requirement
All domestic adoptions occurring in the United States must be finalized through the court system. Some intercountry adoptions may be finalized in the child’s country of origin, however most adoptive parents choose to finalize the adoption domestically although it is not required. A qualified and experienced Adoption Lawyer can handle the requirement that domestic adoptions must be finalized in court. Some public agency adoptions cover or reimburse the legal fees incurred through the adoption process. Although some jurisdictions do not require the use of an attorney, it is highly recommended due to the delicacy, complexity and gravity of the adoption process.
If you are considering adopting a child and wish to learn more about the necessary expenses involved, or the process in general, a Kansas Adoption Lawyer can help. Our firm will assist you throughout the process and ensure your adoption is handled successfully. The process can easily be handled with the help of our experienced team of adoption lawyers who are knowledgeable in areas of adoption, parental rights and adoption expenses. Call a Kansas Adoption Lawyer at McDowell Chartered Legal Services today at (316) 633-4322 to see how we can successfully assist you in your adoption matter.