Cost of Adoption

The cost of adoption includes payment for adoption service providers, legal professionals, governments, travel fees, etc. It is important to understand that the monies paid to MLJ Adoptions, Inc. (MLJ) are paid out to other entities and professionals. MLJ is committed to donating over 50% of its gross profits to non-profits assisting in orphan care. In 2011, MLJ donated 100% of its gross profits to orphan care. Our Executive Director, Michele Jackson, has also forgone her salary, so that it can also be donated to orphan care.

Fee Disclosure

The following is a typical and approximate fee schedule for an international adoption. Each country program is different. Please refer to your preferred country’s specific fee schedule for additional information. To view our country specific fee schedules, please Request Information. 

 Please note that all fees listed above and in our fee sheets are in US dollars. Clients are responsible for making each of their payments in US dollars.

Adoption Financing

Adoption is expensive, but MLJ believes finances should not stop a child from having a loving family. To help you consider all your options, we offer a monthly Affording Adoption seminar taught by Camie Schuiteman, MLJ’s Financial Resources Coordinator. The Affording Adoption seminar addresses the costs of adoption and the opportunities for funding that exist. Our financial resources guide can be found here, which provides a wealth of information on adoption grants, fundraising options, and low or no interest adoption loans. An overview of the information covered in the seminar is listed below.

• Federal Adoption Tax Credit: Congress extended The Adoption Tax Credit (ATC) through 2011 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), signed into law on March 22, 2010. The maximum credit increased from $12,150 to $13,170. Families may be eligible for the Adoption Tax Credit in the tax year they finalize an eligible adoption. For general information on the tax credit, read our blog by Pam Smitson, CPA. Consult with a licensed tax preparer for personalized tax advice.
  
  
• State Tax Credits: Some states provide non-recurring adoption fee reimbursements. Contact a licensed tax preparer to inquire for more information.
  
  
• Employer Adoption Assistance Benefits: Many employers offer adoption benefits to their employees. Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if they offer such assistance.
  
  
• U.S. Military Reimbursement : Military service members who adopt a child under 18 years of age may be reimbursed for qualified adoption expenses up to $2000 per adoptive child (up to a total of $5000 if more than one child is adopted) per calendar year. For more information on military adoption support, click here.
  
  
• Grants:  There are a variety of national and regional organizations that offer grants to adoptive families. Before applying for a grant, it is important to check for grant eligibility criteria and application deadlines. Most grant organizations accept applications after the family has an approved home study and will administer funds directly to the family's service provider.
  
  
• Fundraising:  MLJ Adoption clients have raised thousands of dollars towards their adoptions with a wide variety of fundraising ideas including sales of personalized adoption merchandise, concerts, golf tournaments, and many other efforts.
  
  
• Loans: Families may find a loan necessary to cover the full or partial cost of their adoption. Possible loan sources include family, bank loans, private grants or special loan programs.

Payment Methods

MLJ accepts checks, wires, all major credit cards, and direct debit. Questions regarding payment methods can be directed to accounts@mljadoptions.com. Click here to access the direct debit authorization form.

Refund Policy

MLJ Adoptions will refund 75% of the first payment if parents submit a written request, within 30 days of the initial payment. No refund of the first payment will be issued after 30 days. No refund of the remaining portion of monies paid from the first payment or any other payment will be reimbursed or refunded.