The Cost

Many people wonder about the cost of adoption.  The Cost many times keep people from saying YES to adoption.  We have many friends who have asked us why it costs so much and are interested in what the money required for international adoption goes toward.  With that in mind...we wanted to let everyone know where the money goes for an adoption.  Below is the description of the cost for adoption. If you have questions...let us know at markandbuffi@gmail.com .

Total Cost between $30k-$40k
AGENCY FEES
$250          Application Fee
$5,000       Lifeline Children's Services Fee
$250          China Humanitarian Aid**
$1,500     Chinese Liaison Fee
$1,500     Home Study Fee*
$195         Shipping Fees: All Documents
$50           General Translation Fee
$1,750      Post Adoption Services*
$70            Post Adoption Translation Fee
$140          Special Needs Processing Fee – per child due at PA
*Fees applicable to AL, GA, KY. MS & WA families
A $500 deposit will be charged to out-of-state families for post placement  services. There will be a home study fee  given by the home study provider in your state for which you will be charged a  fee (typically $1500-$3000)for all non-AL,GA, MS, WA or KY families. Post adoption services to be paid to local provider for out of state families.
**Humanitarian Aid goes toward (Un)adopted, Lifeline's orphan care ministry
In-state Residents: Agency Fees listed above are to be paid in 5 installments.
$250       Paid with application
$2,613    Paid upon acceptance($250 is humanitarian aid; $140 SN )
$2,613    Payable at the completion of home study
$2,613    Paid when dossier is sent to China
$2,613    Paid when child’s referral is accepted (LOA)
Miscellaneous fees:
*$2000.00 Second Child Fee (due when a family receives Pre-Approval  for a second, concurrent child)
*$300.00 Maoming Medical Fund Fee (due when a famiy recieves P.A.  for a child from the Maoming Orphanage)
*$500.00 Agency  Fee due when a family enters the program with  a Pre-Identified child, not shared list or Lifeline List.
OUT OF POCKET U.S. ADOPTION EXPENSES
Note: The following estimated expenses will be paid out-of-pocket during the
home study process and the preparation of your dossier.
$102     Fingerprint Fee (For Home Study)
Medical Reports (varies depending on health insurance coverage)*
$20      Passport pictures (8 copies)
$240   Passports for two parents
$890    Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee (for 2 adults adopting 1 child)
$275   NCFA Parent Training
$150     International Adoption Clinic
$26     Birth Certificates (1 copy of each)
$13      Marriage License (1 copy)
$45     Fed Ex Fees (dossier sent to Lifeline)
$65       State certifications ($5/doc) Based on 13 documents
$39     Dossier County Certification ($3/doc) Based on Alabama
$260     Chinese Consulate Authentications ($20.00 /document) based on 13 documents
$150     Authentication Courier Fee (basaed on 13 documents)
$350     Visa Expenses (2 adults-includes courier and visa fee)
$1,190  CCCWA Log in fee for a child when you do not have Pre-Approval ($40.00 wiring included)
$800     ****CCCWA Log in fee for a child when you have Pre-Approval ($40.00 wiring inlcuded)
$710     ****CCCWA log in fee for resuing your dossier ($20.00 wiring included)
$3,815.50  Estimated Out Of Pocket Expense
$3,425.50	*Estimated expenses for special needs (w/ Pre-Approval) is
$14,520.50  Total Estimated In State Fees with estimated out of Pocket Expense
$11,770.50  Total Estimated Out of State Fees with estimated out of Pocket Expense
Foreign Country Program Expense
$7,000. Official Fees
(these are to be medical exam, consulate fees, child's visa, orphanage donation)
ESTIMATED IN-COUNTRY EXPENSES WHILE IN CHINA
(for two people from Los Angeles) - WE WILL BE ADDING ALL 3 OF OUR CHILDREN TO GO WITH US!! SO THERE WILL BE 5 OF US.
Note: The following estimated In-country Expenses will be paid either 1) in a wire to
China, 2) directly to the provider or 3) will be hand carried to China as indicated by
your Travel Advisor. This estimated amount is based on travel for two adults to and
from mainland China, including all in-country fees with the exception of
lunches/dinners, personal spending money and hotel bellboy tips.
$3,000.00  International Flights
$2,000.00  Hotel Accommodations
$700.00  In-Country Flights
$460.00  Food
$500.00  Guide/Service Fees
$1,000.00  Transportation/Tours
$200.00  Guide/Driver Tips
$300.00  Visit to Orphanage
$15,160.00  Estimated In-Country Expenses
ADDITIONAL POST-ADOPTION COSTS
Note: The following estimated Post-Adoption Expenses will be paid out of pocket after you return
home with your child. These post adoption costs are not included in the estimated total as they vary
by state.
$480.00  Estimated Attorney Fees/Court Cost
$420.00  *Citizenship Certificate-NSN referrals/single spouse travel only
(not included Estimated Post Adoption costs)
$480.00  Estimated Post-Adoption Cost
$30,160.50  Estimated Total Cost (for travel for 2 people)