How Much Does Adoption Cost in South Carolina?

• Relationship to the child: Adopting a relative, such as a niece, nephew, grandchild, or sibling tends to be significantly more affordable for the average family. (This is in part because an agency is not necessary and such adoptions are typically rather quick.) Such adoptions cost $3,000 to $5,000 on average if uncontested.
• Involvement of Social Services: If you choose to adopt a child who is currently in the foster care system, there is no adoption fee. However, legal fees and court fees will still be necessary, and your adoption costs will be $5,000 to $7,000 on average.
• International adoption: Got your heart set on a child overseas? International adoption is very rewarding for many families but requires a much greater investment of time, energy, and money. While Christian & Christian does not handle international adoptions, they tend to cost around $40,000 when considering the fees associated with domestic and foreign adoption agencies.
• Length of adoption process: Some adoptions become more complex and protracted than others. If there happens to be trouble with the adoption agency, the child’s biological family, or any other conflict, the process can be lengthened, ultimately spanning years while you continue to rack up adoption fees.

If your adoption proves complicated, you will need additional help to make sure your rights are protected, especially when it comes to fees. Even though all fees related to your adoption are subject to court approval, there may come a time when either a birth parent or an adoption agency seeks to take advantage of you by overcharging.

In times like these, it is absolutely essential to have an experienced family lawyer by your side to help you navigate the adoption process.