Fees

Maybe go to some referral sites...they usually post situations AND the fees associated with it....and some are under $18,000. Our last adoption was about 12,000-13,000, which included agency fee, lawyer fee, and 1,000 birthmother expenses. Also, I'm sure there has to be agencies out there with fees 10,000 to 15,000. Michelle

I was going to say the same thing, we went thru a facilitator who works with several agencies, she has a few under 20K.

We've adopted a lot of times....privately, through domestic adoptions. My biggest piece of advice to people is to NETWORK! Keep in mind that the 'further removed you are from a situation (possible adoption situation), the more money you're going to shell out.' Also realize, that oftentimes, facilitators will charge fees ON TOP OF the agency/attorney fees. This means, in short, if you'll do some 'homework' and keep good notes, you CAN find situations for less $$ than you would otherwise. Get paper, pen, phone and computer. Decide what states you could adopt from: Meaning, those who 'jive' with your state laws; those where you won't have to drive too far/fly too far/ have relatives living there, can stay there more cheaply than others, KWIM? Google in 'Adoption agencies/adoption attorneys in (insert state). There will be lists of agencies/attorneys to view. Copy those off, sit down with pen and paper and start phoning them to ask questions-----especially questions about fees. If their fees are too high; ask them if you can still keep a profile with them in case they should have any situations that might be less expensive. *(If you're alright with some/many special needs ie, drug use, mental health issues, alcohol, etc....make sure you tell any agency/attorney about this.) SOME agencies/attorneys will be happy to keep your profile around IN CASE THEY SHOULD GET any situations for special needs, last minute situations that their 'immediate clients' won't be interested in; and believe me, IF/WHEN they have these types of situaitons, they often have to scramble to find families who are interested. Be open and honest about what you're looking for. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the agency/attorney AND any about adoption in general if you're not sure. Some states, for instance, are really quirky about adoption finalization, others are easier, still others require some paperwork to be done-there-then some in your home state. IF you're the kind of family who wants only AA or multi-racial babies, or are open to many special needs......many agencies/attorneys are going to want to have you on hand. We've adopted four babies---domestically. I have to say, it's that networking that helped us find them. And, once you have an adoption entity that's willing to keep your profile, etc....be sure to keep a list and PHONE THEM periodically just to touch base. Keeping your family in the forefront of minds is another way to help them 'remember you first' should a situation arise. And, one more thing: If you come across any agency/attorney who will not work with you, I guarantee that you'll at least LEARN more about adoption...and that knowledge will not be wasted as you go along, believe me. My best to you in your search.... Sincerely, Linny

Work the phone and email... I contacted every agency in my state and most of them in the surrounding states. I wanted to take placement within driving distance. I also contacted some nationwide facilitators or referral agencies and looked for situations in my target area. The lowest I've found is around 5k in the last year but there tends to be restrictions by the agencies with the really low fees...requiring you to be a certain faith, married for a certain length of time, or sexual orientation. The wait times tend to be longer too as well as no gender preference allowed.

20,000? That's insane! I wouldn't take on a niglet unless they paid me at LEAST 2 million and they'd have to provide the cage!