Cost of Adoption

single mom parent girls sisters familyThe costs associated with adoption must go in many different directions and cover many different services; fees for adoption are fees for services and are not fees for a child.

The process of adoption is one that is intricate and complex. It involves individuals and entities at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as foreign individuals, entities, and governments, all working collaboratively in order to complete an adoption. The adoption process involves social workers, attorneys (both in your country and abroad), mental health professionals, caregivers, judges, immigration officers, translators, drivers, administrative staff and others. Often these individuals and entities are involved in your adoption process for two to three years or more.

Fee Disclosure

The information below is an approximate fee schedule for an international adoption. Each country program is different. Please refer to the specific fee schedule of the country you are interested in for additional information.

To view our country specific fee schedules, please Request Information.

  Application Fee $225 With Adoption Application
  First Payment $3,000 – $5,000 To begin adoption process
  Second Payment $5,000 – $7,000 At home study draft
  Third Payment $9,000 – $19,000 Submission of dossier/Acceptance of Referral
  Fourth Payment $6,000 – $8,000 At travel

This information is an estimation. Please note that all fees listed above and in our fee sheets are in U.S. dollars. Clients are responsible for making each of their payments in U.S. dollars.

How to Afford AdoptionAffording Adoption

It all adds up, but there are many options to help families learn about all of the resources available to help finance an adoption. MLJ Adoptions offers an Affording Adoption Seminar to all prospective adoptive parents. The seminar may be viewed in the video on the Affording Adoption page or through a live seminar. We have also compiled the resources discussed at the Affording Adoption Seminar into one Financial Resources Guide. An overview of the information can be found on our resources tab.

payment methodsPayment Methods

MLJ Adoptions accepts checks, wires, all major credit cards, and direct debit. A three percent transaction fee will be added to all credit card transactions. Questions regarding payment methods can be directed to accounts@mljadoptions.com. Click here to access the direct debit authorization form.

Refund PolicyRefund Policy

Payments made to MLJ Adoptions are for services rendered and are not payment for a child. 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. The second portion of the Agency fee and the Dossier fee are not refundable. Unused program country fees will be refunded.