In the majority of states, adoptive parents can pay for “customary and reasonable” adoption related expenses. All expenses are reviewed by courts and in the case of interstate adoptions, the Interstate Compact on the placement of Children (ICPC), who authorizes a child to move from the state where they were born to the state of the adopting parent(s). Questionable expenses can hold up a placement approval, lead to a denial of the placement and even legal action. The adoptive parents may not pay for educational expenses, permanent housing, or anything that would be construed as monetary gain by the birth parent(s).
“Customary and reasonable” financial support for a birthmother from the adoptive parents, include:
LEGAL EXPENSES
Adoptive parents provide legal counsel for themselves and birth parent(s). Representation throughout process, which includes explaining process, making sure rights are protected, preparation of court docs, visitation agreements, etc. If a child needs legal representation for the adoption, the adoptive parent may also be asked to pay for a “guardian ad litem.” They may also cover all court fees related to the adoption.
ADOPTION AGENCY OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES
Some adoption agencies disperse all birth parent expenses from a communal account to which all adoptive parents contribute. In many states, the adoptive parent(s) may pay for counselors, social workers, etc. Some states require, or an adoptive parent may want, a psychological evaluation of a birth parent or child prior to placement. The adoptive parent(s) would pay for this service.
PRE-NATAL MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL EXPENSES
If a birth parent has no medical insurance or means to pay for medical expenses, they can apply for Medicaid. If they do not qualify, the adoptive parent(s) or the adoption agency may help pay for medical and hospital bills.
LIVING EXPENSES
Some states allow for the adoptive parents to temporarily assist with living expenses such as rent, food, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments or legal and court appointments, and maternity clothes. The states allow payments for housing for a limited time prior to and after birth, and are typically made directly to the landlord or once receipts are provided by the birth parent(s). State regulations dictate when and for how long they may provide such assistance.
CHILD’S EXPENSES
The adoptive parent will typically pay for an infant or child’s medical expenses, should they have no medical insurance. This may include medical or psychological testing, the hospital stay and any needed clothing or food as they wait for placement. Adoptive parent(s) may also be asked to pay for temporary foster care, if needed.
Allowable birth parent adoption related expenses by state found here.
HOW TO COVER COSTS
Employee benefits, adoption grants and loans, home equity and lines of credit, personal fund raisers, and asking family and friends for financial assistance are all possible resources for adoption funds.
The ADOPTION TAX CREDIT allows for the adoptive parent(s) to claim up to $13,400 of IRS allowable expenses in 2015. As a family’s income approaches $200,000, the tax credit diminishes.
CONCLUSION
Because individual states determine which adoption related expenses may be covered, it is important to research allowable adoption related expenses when considering the type of adoption and the state in which an adoptive parent looks for a birth mother or child. Adoption attorneys and agencies are good places to start as they can advise adoptive parents on overall costs and the expenses associated with a specific adoption.
Adoption expenses should not prevent anyone from adopting. There is an adoption in everyone’s budget.
Click for more from Adoption.NET Executive Writer Kathy Brodsky