Domestic Adoption

SPENCE-CHAPIN RELIES ON A COMBINATION of fees and donations to support its services. The agency is dedicated to doing everything possible to make adoption affordable for its families.

Fees charged to adoptive families cover approximately 20% of the cost of a domestic adoption. The agency raises funds to support the remaining costs.

A domestic adoptive family’s Professional Services Fee is calculated at 15% of a family’s adjusted gross income (as indicated on the most recent Federal Income Tax Form 1040). This is a sliding scale fee ranging from a minimum of $12,000 to a maximum of $28,000. In addition, each family pays a $300 nonrefundable registration fee and will incur costs during the Home Study process associated with adoption literature, medical exams or consultations, legal clearances, birth certificates, and production of a family album. (Note: Adoptive families may be able to claim a tax credit on their federal income tax form for qualified adoption expenses. For example, the maximum adoption credit has increased to $12,170 for tax year 2010.)

The legal process to finalize an adoption usually costs from $1,000 to $2,500. Although legal finalization is usually a straightforward and predictable process, attorneys may charge more if there are unanticipated legal steps.

Spence-Chapin’s Services Fee is paid in three installments. The first payment of $1,500 is made to begin the Home Study Process. One half of the balance is due upon completion of the Home Study; the second half of the balance is due one month following a child’s placement in the adoptive family’s home. Legal expenses are paid directly to the family’s attorney for finalization services.

The Professional Services Fee covers the following services:

• Comprehensive orientation, education, and training;
• The completion of a home study document;
• Guidance and processing of the adoption application and paperwork required to meet local, federal, and interstate regulations;
• Birth parent counseling;
• Residential and medical care for infants in our interim care program;
• Child placement;
• Post-placement supervision;
• Post adoption counseling, as well as ongoing support and services for the first year after your child comes home.

Costs for adoption can be defrayed by employer adoption benefits and the Federal Tax Credit. (Please see our brochure “Affording Adoption at Spence-Chapin”)