Adopting a child is probably one of the best decisions you will ever make. However, you may have to contend with many factors, including the cost of adoption in Texas. Knowing how much it will cost to adopt a child is critical as it helps you weigh your options before making the final decision.
Typically, there is no average cost for a Texas adoption. In most cases, the total cost of adoption includes fees paid to adoption agencies, adoption attorneys, and additional expenses for other professional services. Many factors influence the cost of adoption in Texas, including the child’s age and needs and the type of adoption.
Types of Adoption
There are two major types of adoption in Texas, state or public adoption and private adoption. The type of adoption you choose will significantly impact the cost of adoption, with state adoption costing less. State adoption, also known as foster-to-adopt, involves a foster family desiring to adopt a child the state has placed in their care.
As the foster family, you will only incur two major costs: the cost of getting a license to adopt and the legal fees associated with the adoption process, including attorney fees. Besides the low cost, the state has programs that provide financial assistance to adoptive parents. As the most affordable adoption type, state adoption benefits people with other children and limited resources.
The other type of adoption is private adoption. Private adoption involves adopting a child through a private agency and costs significantly higher than state adoption. The price differences are mostly due to the additional costs of hiring an adoption agency. Unlike state adoption, private adoption often involves meeting the child’s birth family once they have agreed to termination of parental rights. Additionally, it is not uncommon for people to adopt within their own families like adopting your grandchild or adopting your stepchild.
Generally, you will adopt an infant in an adoption plan you and the birth family agree upon. Private adoption costs in Texas vary widely depending on the facilitating adoption agency, with some agencies charging as high as $20,000 or even more. You will pay the adoption agency, which coordinates the entire adoption process, including handling legal documentation. Some agencies also offer other services like prenatal care to the birth mother.
Age and Background of the Child
Whether you choose a state or private adoption, the child’s age and the background will impact the total cost. It is typically less expensive to adopt an older child than an infant. You only need to pay for the paperwork and other general adoption services like attorney fees for older children.
Additionally, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) provides reimbursement of up to $1,500 for adoption services. While these reimbursements are conditional, including the requirement for the child to be under six years at the time of adoption, they make adopting older children less costly. The state also offers monthly financial assistance to eligible families after the adoption process.
While the average cost of adopting an older child is generally a few hundred dollars, the cost of adopting an infant in Texas can be between $40,000 and $45,000. There are some instances involving complex factors like international adoption where the cost is even higher. Other additional costs include travel costs for international adoptions.
Assistance for Adoptive Parents in Texas
While adoption in Texas can be expensive, there are financial assistance programs that can help you cover the adoption costs. One such program is the Adoption Assistance Program by the Texas DFPS. The program provides medical assistance through Medicaid, adoption fees reimbursement, and monthly payments for eligible families.
With some employers offering financial assistance or reimbursing adoption expenses, you should also check with your employer for such benefits. Some adoption agencies and non-profit organizations also provide financial assistance, including grants to adoptive parents. It is advisable to consult a skilled and experienced Texas adoption lawyer to help you determine if you are eligible for any financial assistance programs and how to apply.
Contact a Texas Adoption Attorney
The fluctuating nature of adoption costs in Texas can easily frustrate your adoption plans. While how much a Texas adoption cost varies depending on circumstances, a skilled adoption attorney can help you decide your best adoption option, including how to offset expenses with available financial assistance programs. If you are in Texas and are thinking of adopting a child, we are here for you. Our skilled and experienced Texas adoption attorneys at The Fox Firm will guide you through the adoption process, including helping you navigate the fluctuating cost puzzle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.