Fees and Tax Credit

California's Waiting Children Program Costs
Adoption Horizons Homestudy:	$2,500
Adoption Education:	$500
Search/Referral:	$1,500
Placement Fee:	Waived
Subsidies:	AAP $400(+)/month and one time $400
Your Total Cost:	$4,500

Upon legal finalization you are eligible for a tax credit of $12,150/child (Income ceiling of $210,820; cannot exceed tax liability)

Infant Placement Program Costs
Adoption Horizons Homestudy:	$2,500
Adoption Education:	$500
Match/Placement Fee:	$10,000
Educational Vocational Trust Fund:	$2,000 (goes to birthmother)
Adoption Service Provider fee:	$500 - $1000
Competency Evaluation:	$300-$500
Counseling and Attorney for Birthmother:	Provided by Adoption Horizons
State Adoptions Fee:	$1,550
Attorney Costs:	$1,000 to $4,000
Your Total Cost:	$18,350 and up

Upon finalization, you are eligible for a tax credit of $12,150/child. (Income ceiling of $210,820; cannot exceed tax liability)

Intercountry Adoption Program Costs
Adoption Horizons Homestudy:	$2,500
Adoption Education:	$500
Placement Fee	$1,000
Primary Provider:	$2,000 to $4,000 *
Foreign Fees:	$10,000 to $25,000 *
Total Cost (including travel):	$20,000 and up
These fees are not paid to Adoption Horizons. These fees vary between country, program, and agency.
Upon placement, you are eligible for a tax credit of $12,150/child. (Income ceiling of $210,820; cannot exceed tax liability)

Meeting the Costs of Adoption - by Cindy Savage

Financing Your Adoption

It’s a reality that adoption through a private agency costs money. Added to those fees may be attorney, foreign country, travel and document fees, so you can see how quickly adoption costs can add up. Fees paid to agencies are for services; not for purchasing a child, even if it feels that way. In fact, it is illegal to “buy” a child. It costs a lot to provide qualified staff, equipment and a professional location. While Adoption Horizons cannot control outside costs, we can say we have not raised our fees in the last seven years of doing business.

There are many ways a family can finance their adoption—some borrow money through loans and refinancing, some find that relatives are excited to give an early inheritance, and others have found grants and adoption loan programs. There is a federal adoption tax credit of $10,000 per child, which applies after the adoption is finalized, (which for the Intercountry Adoption Program is usually in the foreign country). Most families find this extremely helpful when making adoption plans.

Adoption Horizons, unfortunately, does not offer payment plans or accept credit cards for payment. We have a volunteer financial advisor who is willing to help you evaluate your potential plans. Most of the programs at Adoption Horizons have fees that are divided up throughout the process; however, sometimes children (like in birth) have a way of showing up early, so a family must have their financial plans in place when they begin the adoption process.

In conclusion, when a family decides to plan for adoption, it’s important that they have a full understanding of the fees and services as well as the expenses for the services of the other entities involved so there are no surprises.

We have many families who have had to weigh their financing options. Any one of them would be willing to discuss their thoughts and decisions with you. Please ask our staff for a referral list.

“What is the value of a child, you ask? Priceless my friend, priceless.” (Anonymous)

You are welcome to contact our volunteer financial advisors:
Paul Rodrigues: (707) 443-9796
John Gullam: (707) 826-9121