According to a survey conducted by Adoptive Families magazine, between 2015 and 2016, domestic (United States) newborn adoptions cost an average of $37,000 and international adoptions averaged about $42,000. The cost of adoption in Maryland ranges from $20,000 to $50,000.
Breaking Down the Cost of Adoption in Maryland
- Birth Mother Expenses: “In most states, adoptive parents can pay a birth family’s reasonable medical, legal, and counseling expenses,” explains Colleen Marea Quinn, chairman of the Birth Parents Rights Committee of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. In some circumstances, living expenses are also paid,” explains Dean Kirschner, Ph.D., LCSW-C. “If [a birth mother] can not work because of a condition directly related to the pregnancy – and prescribed by a physician.”
- Adoption Placement Fee: Adoption Makes Family uses a sliding scale for the adoption placement fees based on several factors, including household income. You may contact Adoption Makes Family to learn where you are on the sliding scale.
- Expectant Parent Expenses: While not directly tied to the cost of adoption in Maryland, adoptive families will need to begin preparing to welcome a child into their home. This often means purchasing baby supplies and childproofing the house. These expenses can add up quickly.
Cover the Cost of Adoption in Maryland
“If you have a child [biologically] and in the hospital, you have health insurance to cover the bills,” says Kendra Taylor, who is currently in the process of adopting four children from foster care. “Nothing covers the legal fees for adoption. You’re on the hook for it.” Here are a few ways to help fund your adoption here in Maryland.
- Adoption Tax Credit: The Federal Adoption Tax Credit – $14,080 per child in 2019 – has been on the books for 20 years. “You qualify for the Adoption Tax Credit if you adopted a child and paid out-of-pocket expenses necessary to the adoption,” explains Dawn Davenport, Creating a Family. If you do not have enough tax liability to use up the credit in the first year, you can carry it over for up to five years.
- Adoption Grants: “A number of national organizations offer grant programs to prospective adoptive parents,” writes Michele Fried, The Penny Hoarder.
- Employer Adoption Program: Some companies actually offer financial reimbursement for adoption fees and paid leave. “Few employers advertise adoption benefits,” explains Fried. “Don’t hesitate to dig a little deeper to see what might be available.”
- Maryland State Adoption Assistance Program: Click here to review the information about the adoption assistance benefits that may be available to families who adopt children from foster care in Maryland.
Have Questions About the Cost of Adoption in Maryland?
The professionals at Adoption Makes Family have many years of experience in adoption services, and will walk you through every step of the adoption process. We are a non-profit (501-C3) licensed adoption agency based in Maryland, and our experienced adoption counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call Us Now at (410) 683-2100
If you have any questions about saving for adoption, you can contact us by phone at 410-683-2100, by e-mail at dr.kirschner@adoptionmakesfamily.org or use our online contact form.
Sources
- Fried, Michele. “Think You Can’t Afford Adoption? Here Are 10 Surprising Ways to Pay for It.” The Penny Hoarder, The Penny Hoarder, 14 Nov. 2017, www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/resources-for-adopting-a-child/.
- Resmer, Lori. “25 Ways To Save Money For Adoption.” Fund Your Adoption, 23 Jan. 2018, fundyouradoption.tv/25-ways-to-save-money-for-adoption/.