Understanding the Costs of Private Adoption in 2025

taryn902
Jul 24
6 min read

Private adoption is one of the most compassionate and life-changing journeys a family can take. But as with many life-altering decisions, it's natural to ask: How much does it cost to adopt a baby? Whether you're just starting your research or actively pursuing private adoption, understanding the costs involved in 2025 is a crucial part of preparing emotionally and financially.

At Choice Adoptions, we believe in full transparency and support throughout the adoption process. This guide will walk you through the full spectrum of costs—from agency fees to legal and travel expenses—while also helping you explore grants, loans, and federal adoption tax credits to offset your costs.

A Realistic Price Range for Private Adoption in 2025

So, how much is private adoption in 2025?

The cost to adopt a baby through a private agency typically ranges from $30,000 to $65,000 or more in the United States. While this range may seem wide, it reflects the wide variety of services, supports, and professional fees required throughout the adoption journey.

What contributes to this cost range?

Geographic location (cost of living and travel needs)
Agency type (nonprofit vs. for-profit)
Birth parent needs
Medical expenses
Legal and court requirements
Whether the adoption is domestic or interstate

At Choice Adoptions, we are a nonprofit agency dedicated to keeping costs as low and predictable as possible while providing comprehensive, ethical, and deeply supportive services to both birth parents and adoptive families.

Breaking Down Agency Fees and Program Costs

Agency fees make up a large portion of the overall cost in private adoption. These fees cover a wide array of services designed to support both the birth and adoptive families.

Typical agency services include:

Matching adoptive families with birth parents
24/7 support and counseling for expectant parents
Unlimited support for prospective adoptive parents
Educational workshops and home study services and preparation for adoptive parents
Case management and coordination of services
Post-placement supervision and support

At Choice Adoptions, we provide tiered programs to allow families more flexibility based on their readiness and specific needs. Our fees are fully outlined in a transparent contract, so there are no surprises down the road.

What Are Birth Parent Expenses and What Do They Cover?

Most states allow adoptive families to help cover certain pregnancy related expenses for the expectant birth parent(s), provided the payments are legally approved and ethically managed.

Typical birth parent expenses might include:

Rent or temporary housing
Utilities
Groceries and essential household items
Transportation
Medical expenses
Maternity clothing
Counseling services

These costs are not "paid" to the birth parent, but instead are intended to ensure their basic needs are met during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. These expenses typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 for the duration of the pregnancy and up to 8 weeks post placement, depending on circumstances and state laws.

At Choice, we offer a Birth Parent Advocacy program that not only manages these costs transparently but ensures birth parents are never pressured or incentivized to place based on financial support.

Factoring in Your Legal, Court, and Home Study Fees

Every adoption includes a legal process to ensure the rights of all parties are protected. This includes terminating the birth parents' parental rights, gaining court approval, and finalizing the adoption.

Here’s a breakdown of these critical legal fees:

Legal Element	Estimated Cost
Attorney fees	$2,500 – $6,000
Court filing and finalization	$500 – $1,500
ICPC (Interstate Compact) (if adopting out of state)	$1,000 – $3,000
Home study & post-placement	$3,500 – $5,000

The home study is a required step in all domestic adoptions and evaluates the suitability of your home, lifestyle, and parenting readiness. Your post-placement visits (1-6 months after placement) are also part of this cost.

Don’t Forget Travel, Medical, and Other Associated Costs

Depending on where the birth occurs and whether you live in the same state, you may need to travel and stay near the hospital for several days or even weeks. These expenses can include:

Flights and rental cars
Hotel or temporary lodging
Meals and daily expenses

Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the baby’s birth or hospitalization, especially if you're able to add them to your insurance policy at placement. Still, out-of-pocket medical costs related to the birth parent’s care and delivery could range between $5,000 to $10,000 if the birth mother does not have insurance or has heavy co-pays and/or deductibles. In our experience, birth mothers who are uninsured in Oregon and Washington are automatically enrolled in the state’s medicaid program which takes care of labor and delivery.

Ways to Secure Funding for Adoption

Maximizing the Federal Adoption Tax Credit for Your Family

One of the most impactful forms of financial assistance for adoptive parents is the Federal Adoption Tax Credit.

In 2025, the maximum credit is projected to be around $16,000 per child, adjusted annually for inflation. This credit is non-refundable, which means it reduces your federal income tax liability dollar for dollar. If you can’t use the full credit in one year, you can carry it forward for up to five years.

How does the Adoption Tax Credit work?

You must finalize your adoption to claim the credit.
Eligible expenses include agency fees, legal fees, travel, and court costs.
You claim it using IRS Form 8839.
You cannot claim it for a stepparent adoption.

Even though the credit isn’t a direct payment, it can be a powerful tool to offset costs over time.

How to Find and Apply for Adoption Grants

Grants are another important way to make adoption more affordable. Adoption grants do not need to be repaid, but many are competitive and require documentation such as your home study, financial statements, and personal essays.

Some reputable adoption grant organizations include:

Grant Organization	Typical Amount
HelpUsAdopt.org	Up to $15,000
Gift of Adoption Fund	Up to $10,000
Show Hope	$5,000–$10,000
A Child Waits Foundation	$1,000–$7,000
National Adoption Foundation	Varies based on need

You can start applying once you’ve completed your home study. Choice Adoptions helps families identify and apply for grants that fit their timeline and financial needs.

Exploring Your Options for Adoption Loans and Financing

If you need upfront funds to begin or complete your adoption journey, low-interest or no-interest adoption loans are another option. While this form of financing does require repayment, some families use it as a bridge loan until they receive their Adoption Tax Credit or grants.

Here are a few popular options for adoption loans and financing:

ABBA Fund – Interest-free loans for Christian families
America’s Christian Credit Union – Special adoption loan programs
Pathways for Little Feet – Loans up to $10,000 with flexible repayment
LightStream – Unsecured personal loans with competitive rates

Before accepting any loan, make sure the monthly payments fit your long-term budget. Choice Adoptions can help connect you with ethical lenders and walk you through your options.

Is There Financial Assistance for Adoption?

Absolutely. While the price tag of private adoption may seem daunting, many families are surprised to learn that most adoptions are not paid for all at once—and that there are dozens of ways to receive financial assistance for adoption in 2025. If your family is working with Choice, we only take payment for services as they are provided. For example, we do not take payment for a match until a match occurs and we do not take payment for placement until a placement occurs.

Explore the adoption process and what it looks like.

At Choice Adoptions, we offer:

Flexible payment plans
Grant application support
Loan recommendations
Help filing for the Adoption Tax Credit
Sliding-scale fees for qualifying families

Final Thoughts: Building Your Family, One Step at a Time

Adoption is a beautiful, brave, and often complex journey. While the financial aspect can feel overwhelming, you’re not in this alone. At Choice Adoptions, we’re committed to walking with you every step of the way—from understanding your costs to securing the resources you need to bring your child home.

Ready to learn more about how we can support your adoption journey?

Visit www.choiceadoptions.org/adoption or contact our team for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your hopes, your needs, and how we can make adoption possible for your family.

Common Questions We Hear:

How much does it cost to adopt a baby?

In 2025, the total cost for a private domestic infant adoption typically ranges from $35,000 to $65,000.

Can you adopt a baby for free?

While private adoptions involve costs, there are grants, tax credits, and loans available. Adopting from foster care is typically free or low-cost.

Is there financial assistance for adoption?

Yes! Tax credits, grants, interest-free loans, and agency discounts may be available.

How many years can you claim the Adoption Tax Credit?

You can carry forward the credit for up to five years if you don’t use it all in the first year.

Other Helpful Pages

Click here for our adoption application.

Click here for our adoption inquiry form.

Click here to learn about our other adoption services.