How to save enough money to adopt a child
Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make, but the price tag often catches families by surprise. Depending on the type of adoption you choose, costs can range from just a few thousand dollars to $50,000 or more.
But you don’t have to come up with all that money overnight. Once you have a better idea of your adoption plan, you can build a savings plan that fits your budget. Here’s what you should know about adoption costs and some practical ways to save enough money to bring your child home.
How much does it cost to adopt a child?
The cost to adopt a child varies based on the adoption path you choose. Factors like agency fees, legal costs, travel, home study requirements, state regulations and whether the adoption happens in the U.S. or another country can all impact the total amount you pay.
It helps to know which type of adoption you are considering before you begin estimating costs. The ranges below are meant to help you plan, but they are not guaranteed prices. Actual costs can vary based on your location, adoption provider and individual circumstances.
Adoption costs by path
| Adoption type | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Foster care adoption | $0 to $5,000 in fees and related expenses |
| Private agency adoption | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Independent adoption | $25,000 to $45,000 |
| International adoption | $32,000 to $66,000 |
If you’re trying to figure out how much you need to save, start with the adoption path you’re most interested in. From there, you can estimate your likely out-of-pocket costs and subtract any financial help you may receive, such as employer adoption benefits, grants or the adoption tax credit.
What to include in your adoption budget
When you think about adoption costs, the first number that comes to mind is likely the agency fee or program fee. But that is only one piece of the puzzle. Building a realistic adoption budget means looking at the full picture, including expenses that can come up before, during and after the adoption process.
One-time adoption expenses
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, some of the biggest adoption expenses happen before your child comes home. Depending on your adoption path, you may need to budget for:
- Home study fees, which are required for most adoptions and involve background checks, interviews and a review of your home environment
- Agency or attorney fees
- Court and legal fees
- Birth parent expenses, where allowed under state law
- Travel, lodging and meals if you need to travel for an adoption
- Document preparation, visas and translation services for intercountry adoptions
Because costs and rules vary by state and adoption provider, ask for a detailed breakdown of expected expenses before you begin.
Ongoing or follow-up costs
It is also smart to set aside money for costs that may come later. These can include post-placement visits, counseling, support services, adoption-related paperwork or unexpected delays. Some families also create an emergency cushion in case they need to renew documents, travel again or experience a failed match.
Before signing with an agency or attorney, ask for a written list of expected fees and expenses. Understanding what you may need to pay upfront can help you create a savings plan that feels more manageable.
Ways to lower out-of-pocket adoption costs
The cost of adoption can feel overwhelming, but many families do not pay the full amount on their own. Depending on your situation, you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket costs through adoption assistance programs, tax benefits, employer benefits or other sources of financial help.
Adoption assistance and reimbursements
Families adopting through foster care may qualify for adoption assistance programs that help cover certain expenses. Some states also offer financial assistance or reimbursements for eligible families who adopt children from foster care.
You may also be able to find help through adoption grants and nonprofit organizations. These programs often have their own eligibility rules and application deadlines, so it helps to research options early in the process.
Adoption tax credit and employer benefits
The federal adoption tax credit may help eligible families offset certain qualified adoption expenses. The maximum credit allowed per the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2026 is up to $17,670 in eligible adoption expenses. Some of the credit may be refundable as well, in amounts up to $5,120.
Just note that a tax credit reduces the amount of tax you owe, so it does not always provide money upfront to pay adoption bills. Tax rules can also change as well, and eligibility depends on your specific situation, so consider working with a tax professional as you work on your long-term tax and financial strategy.
Some employers also offer adoption benefits that can help cover eligible expenses. Check with your human resources department to see whether your workplace provides adoption assistance and what costs may qualify.
Finding financial help can take some extra effort, but these programs can make a meaningful difference in how much you need to save on your own.
How to build an adoption savings plan
Once you have an estimate of what your adoption may cost, the next step is figuring out how to save for it. The goal is not to come up with a large amount of money all at once. Instead, break your savings goal into smaller monthly amounts that fit within your household budget.
Estimate your savings gap
Start by choosing the adoption path you are most likely to pursue and asking the agency, attorney or provider for a written list of expected fees. This can help you avoid surprises and create a more realistic savings target.
A simple formula can help:
Estimated adoption cost – confirmed financial assistance = your savings target
Once you know your target, divide that amount by the number of months you have before major payments are due. This gives you an idea of how much you may need to save each month.
For example, if you need to save $12,000 over 24 months, you would need to set aside about $500 per month. Adjust the timeline or monthly amount based on what works best for your family.
Keep adoption savings separate from emergency savings
Consider opening a high-yield savings account just for adoption expenses. Keeping these funds separate can make it easier to track your progress and avoid accidentally spending the money on other goals.
Automating transfers from your checking account can also make saving easier because you do not have to remember to move money each month. If you use a savings account, make sure it is with a bank or credit union that offers FDIC or NCUA insurance.
It can be tempting to use emergency savings or take on debt to cover adoption costs, but keeping your financial foundation strong is important. Building a plan ahead of time can help you prepare without creating unnecessary stress later.
Is adoption affordable if you can’t pay everything upfront?
Not having all the money saved today does not necessarily mean adoption is out of reach. Many families plan for adoption expenses over time, saving gradually and using available resources to help cover costs along the way.
The amount you need upfront depends on the type of adoption you pursue. Foster care adoption may involve fewer out-of-pocket expenses in some cases, while private adoption and intercountry adoption often involve fees paid at different points throughout the process rather than one large payment at the beginning.
The key is to understand your expected costs before you start. Ask your agency or attorney for a written fee schedule and find out when payments are due. This can help you create a timeline for saving and avoid being caught off guard by upcoming expenses.
Financial help from grants, employer adoption benefits and tax credits may reduce your overall costs, but these options are not guaranteed and may not provide money exactly when you need it. Building a savings plan around the costs you know about can give you more confidence as you move through the adoption process.
If adoption is one of your goals, consider setting up a dedicated savings fund and comparing options that can help you grow your money while you prepare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to adopt a child?
There is no single lowest-cost adoption option for every family, but foster care adoption often has fewer out-of-pocket expenses than private or intercountry adoption. Costs and assistance programs vary, so it is important to research the option that fits your situation.
Can the adoption tax credit pay for adoption upfront?
No, the adoption tax credit typically does not provide money upfront to pay adoption bills. Instead, it may help eligible families reduce their federal tax liability after they have qualified adoption expenses.
What adoption expenses should I ask about before choosing an agency?
Ask about all expected fees, including agency fees, home study costs, legal expenses, travel costs, paperwork fees and any other charges that may come up. Request a written fee schedule so you can build a more accurate savings plan.
Should I borrow money to pay for adoption?
Borrowing money may help some families cover a funding gap, but it also increases the total cost of adoption due to interest and fees. Before taking on debt, consider your savings timeline and explore options like grants, employer benefits and tax credits.
