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Hello, everyone. I recently stumbled accross these forums, and hope that I can find some advice here.
My husband and I were approached a few weeks ago by the daughter of a friend of ours. At 16, she is pregnant with her second child. Knowing that my husband and I have been trying unsuccessfully for years to have a second child, she asked us if we would be interested in adopting her baby. Of course, we were thrilled at the opportunity!
We have now begun speaking to attorneys. However, each attorney has given us different advice in regards to charges (anywhere from $3500-$15,000), whether or not we need to complete a home study (some say yes, others say no), and one referred us instead to book entitled "How to File an Adoption in Florida", saying that we don' t need an attorney at all in order to complete the adoption.
My MIL adopted her eldest daughter 15 years ago. She payed only $300 for an attorney and $200 for a home study through DCF. Of course, times have changed, but how can we find out what we NEED at the appropriate cost?
Thanks so much for any input!
Michelle
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You absolutely need a homestudy! Are these attorneys members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys? That group's member list is online. If not, check with at least three local attorneys who are members and ask their experience, how many domestic situations have they handled in the last 2 years, fees, services, etc. Also check your comfort level.
As to costs, what you cite doesn't seem particularly out of line. Total fees (including homestudy, counseling and post placement supervision as well as legal) are usually in the $4 - $10,000 range. This is generally not spent all at once, it's pay-as-you-go. Our single largest check was for $2300 in finalization, and even then they offered to take their fee in installments.
HTH
Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas
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Thanks for asking about us Tee, your timing couldn't have been better. Our daughter, Sophia Grace, was born on Tuesday, June 8th. She came home with us the next day, and is doing wonderful! The birth parents too, are doing wonderful and seem just as greatfull to us as we are to them. The birth mother's strength in this has been an absolute inspiration to me. She's an amazing young lady.
Of course, we still have our 90 days before the adoption is finalized, but the hard part is over!
Michelle