[Wannafamily]

Originally Posted by KelB

Dh and I are just beginning the adoption process. Fortunately, we have quite a network locally of friends who had gone through adoption and we are planning on using the same agency they did (which just happens to be out of Washingon). Anyway, I was lurking and saw your post about the cost of adoption and I was curious as to whether or not you got an answer for where all the money seems to go. We also estimate spending $25,000 - $30,000. Any answers as to where all the cash goes??

I think it depends on the agency, but a large portion of the adoption fee an agency charges is to cover expenses for the birth mothers. They cover medical costs, food, room & board and other living expenses if the ** needs it up until the time she gives birth. This is how the agency gets birth mothers to work with them. Our agency charges one fee for everyone and it includes EVERYTHING including ** expenses, legal fees, finalization, etc. We paid what some would think is a large amount of money, but we had our newborn baby girl 3 weeks after we completed our home study (and 6 days after we turned in our profile). The agencies pool the money as some birth mothers will have a lot of expenses and others will not, so your fee doesn't necessarily cover your exact birth mom's expenses. I think the most important thing is to find a reputable agency who discloses ALL fees up front so that you know what you are looking at.

Good luck!!