How Much Does Adoption Cost in Texas?
If you are googling, “How much does it cost to adopt a child in Texas?” you are probably wondering about the variation in cost estimates you are seeing.
Adoption costs in Texas fluctuate depending on several factors.
While there is no average figure for Texas adoption costs, there are a number of things to consider when adopting a child.
State Versus Private Adoption
As a prospective parent looking at adoption fees in Texas, you probably noticed that state adoption costs less. State adoption is also called foster-to-adopt.
When you adopt a child through the state, your only costs are the fees you must pay to get a license to adopt and court fees. The cost to adopt a child is the lowest when you go through the state. In addition to a lower cost of adoption, the state provides financial assistance to adoptive parents. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple children and a tighter budget.
You can also choose to adopt through a private agency. The cost of private adoption in Texas is significantly higher than that of an adoption through the state. Private adoption often involves communication with the child’s birth family.
You will adopt an infant according to an adoption plan agreed upon by both your family and the birth family. Private adoption can cost well over $20,000, but the cost varies depending on the adoption agency you use. The fees go toward paying the agency, which handles legal documentation and coordinates the adoption. Some adoption agencies provide prenatal care to the birth mother as well.
Attorney Fees
If you are adopting a child through the state, you may decide to hire an attorney. An attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork to get a license to adopt a child. They can also help you navigate the state system during the adoption process.
Which attorney or law firm you hire can have a huge impact on the cost of adoption in Texas. If you are thinking of hiring a lawyer, make sure you discuss fee arrangements up front. A family attorney can make the adoption process much easier, but you want to know what to expect in terms of legal fees.
Assistance with Adoption Fees in Texas
There are a number of things that can help you cover Texas adoption costs. Talk to your employer to see if they offer financial assistance to help cover adoption fees. This may be part of your employee benefits package.
In addition, some nonprofit organizations and adoption agencies have grants and other financial assistance for adoptive parents. The grant may be offered through the agency you are using for the adoption or through a separate nonprofit entity.
Call Our Office
Whether you are interested in a private adoption or an adoption through the state, The Larson Law Office is here to help. Our experienced Houston family law attorneys can help you decide which type of adoption is best for you. The husband-and-wife team of Erik and Diana Larson is ready to guide you through the process of welcoming a new addition to your family.