Adoption Consulting-Domestic Adoption

FAQ

What is the Process?
1. Complete the Confidential Adoption Questionnaire and sign the Agreement for Consulting Services either online or by mail. Once we receive your documents and application fee, we will contact you within two business days to schedule your initial consultation.

2. Schedule your first consultation during which we’ll discuss your unique situation, personal needs, & adoption options, educate you on critical adoption issues such as state laws, birth parents’ rights, & how to accelerate the process, coach you on the development of your Personal Profile, and discuss a preliminary direction for your personal adoption strategy.

3. Have your second consultation, about two weeks later, where you’ll receive your customized adoption strategy & roadmap, guidance on the home study, information on how to talk to birth mothers, agencies, & attorneys, and a critique of your Personal Profile. We’ll answer every question you have so you leave the meeting confident in your ability to successfully pursue your plan.

From there, you will choose & sign up with your placement sources, complete your Personal Profile, and finalize your home study. After that, you wait to be matched with your baby. Throughout your journey, we are always available for ongoing guidance or even just to provide a listening ear.

When are you available for consultations?
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM through 5PM Eastern time.

How long does it take?
Many of our clients ask, "How long does it take to adopt a baby from...?" On average, our typical client (married for 2+ years, between the ages of 25 and 45, childless or with one child, and with a budget of $20,000-$35,000 before federal and employer benefits) is successful in domestically adopting a newborn in 3 - 12 months following home study approval.

Our success comes from our relationships with agencies and attorneys nationwide that place newborns in a short amount of time. Also, the customized education and guidance we provide to each client allows them to be registered with multiple placement sources and present themselves to birth mothers via superior Personal Profiles.

How much should I expect to spend?
Most adoptions range from $15,000 to $35,000. However, federal and employer assistance is often available and you do not need the full amount up front to begin your adoption. Adoptions of some minority newborns can generally be completed for $15,000 to $19,000. We will work within your budget and only refer you to sources that can ethically support their fees. Remember, these fees cover the services provided by agencies and/or attorneys required for you to bring your child home. You are not “paying for a baby,” but are covering costs such as birth mother counseling, birth mother medical expenses, birth father searches, termination of parental rights, legal counsel, court reporting, etc.

Who is eligible for the $11,650 adoption tax credit?
If your income is $174,730 or less, you qualify for the entire tax credit. If your income is between $174,730 and $214,730, you qualify for a partial credit. This is a direct write-off of taxes due which is more valuable than a tax deduction. Employer paid adoption assistance of up to $10,000 per child will also be tax-free.

What financing options are available? Numerous financial options include:

Home Equity or Home Refinancing:

Usually carries the lowest percentage rate. Also, the interest on the loan is usually tax-deductible.

Employer Contributions

Check with your Human Resources department regarding any benefits your employer may have to partially defray adoption expenses.

National Adoption Foundation Loan Program:

Contact NAF for current programs.

Private Loans:

Talk to your banker or your financial lending institutions about the availability of special loans.

Retirement Borrowing:

Check with your retirement plan regarding borrowing from your retirement savings, then repaying yourself with interest.

Grants:

Many organizations such as the Fore Adoption Foundation and The Gift of Adoption Foundation offer adoption scholarships for adoptive parents.

What is a typical birth mother like?
Although statistics show that teenagers have the highest pregnancy rate, most do not choose adoption. Those that do consider adoption are often not mature enough to follow through with the plan. Many suppress their feelings during pregnancy and then change their minds after the baby is born. Most birth parents who complete their adoption plan are between 19 and 30 years old. The majority are already single parents who know the realities of parenting and are therefore more likely than teenagers to commit to and follow through with an adoption plan.

How do I know that the birth parents won’t want the baby back?
Despite the sensationalized stories in the media, virtually all U.S. adoptions are permanent and are never threatened. As an added safety measure, The Adoption Consultancy will refer you to placement sources in “safe” states where birth parents cannot revoke their consent. Additionally, we will help you identify high-risk situations so that you can pursue another opportunity instead.

Should we sign up with an agency or conduct an independent adoption with an attorney?
Most of our clients are advised to do both to the extent that their budget allows. This method maximizes the opportunities to find a match as quickly as possible.

How can I find an adoption agency for closed adoptions only?
Many clients are originally opposed to open or semi-open adoptions. However, once they learn more about what these terms really mean as well as the pros and cons of the different arrangements, they often rethink their initial position. We'd be happy to have a conversation with you about this important topic.