Adopting a child costs $0 to $60,000 in 2026
Adopting a child costs $0 to $60,000 in 2026. The type of adoption moves the price the most. TODAY says the average adoption in the United States costs $20,000 to $45,000. Justia lists foster care adoption at $0 to $2,500. TrustedCare puts a private agency infant adoption at $30,000 to $60,000. International adoption runs $15,000 to $60,000 across these sources, and travel is a big part of it.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| TODAY | TODAY says the average adoption in the United States costs $20,000 to $45,000, international adoption runs $20,000 to $50,000, and foster care adoption costs $0 to $3,000. |
| Justia | Justia lists foster care adoption at $0 to $2,500, domestic infant adoption at $20,000 to $50,000, international at $25,000 to $60,000, and step-parent at $1,000 to $3,000. |
| National Adoption Foundation | The National Adoption Foundation lists a newborn adoption at $8,000 to $45,000 and international adoption at $15,000 to $45,000. |
| TrustedCare | TrustedCare lists foster care at $500 to $3,000, private agency infant adoption at $30,000 to $60,000, independent adoption at $25,000 to $45,000, and international at $25,000 to $50,000. |
Adoption cost by type
| Type of adoption | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foster care | $0 to $2,500 | Justia |
| Foster care (often paid back) | $0 to $3,000 | TODAY |
| Step-parent or kinship | $1,000 to $3,000 | Justia |
| Independent domestic | $25,000 to $45,000 | TrustedCare |
| Domestic infant, private agency | $30,000 to $60,000 | TrustedCare |
| Domestic infant | $20,000 to $50,000 | Justia |
| International | $25,000 to $50,000 | TrustedCare |
| International | $15,000 to $45,000 | National Adoption Foundation |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of adoption | Foster care costs the least. A private agency infant adoption costs the most. A step-parent adoption stays low, at $1,000 to $3,000 on Justia. |
| Agency or lawyer | A private agency often costs more than an independent adoption through a lawyer. TrustedCare lists $30,000 to $60,000 for an agency and $25,000 to $45,000 for independent. |
| Country of origin | International adoption changes with the country, the travel needed, and the paperwork. Justia lists $25,000 to $60,000, and the National Adoption Foundation lists $15,000 to $45,000. |
| Birth parent costs | A domestic infant adoption can include medical bills and other costs for the birth mother. These costs differ a lot by state and by case. |
| Legal and home study fees | Home studies, court costs, and lawyer time are part of almost every adoption. TODAY says legal fees are usually the largest cost. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers home study fees, agency fees, legal work, and court costs to finalize the adoption. Travel, translation, and paperwork in another country can cost extra in an international adoption. Birth parent expenses may be extra in a domestic infant adoption. Ask for a full written list of fees before you sign. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Adoption fees come from several places. Agencies charge for matching, the home study, and support. Lawyers bill for court work and for finalizing the adoption. Courts charge filing fees. In an international adoption, you may also pay for travel and papers in another country. Fees are often paid in steps as you move through the process, not all at once. Foster care adoption is different, because public agencies cover most of the cost, says TrustedCare. Ask each group for a price list in writing, and ask which fees are paid back.
When you need this
You need adoption services when you want to become the legal parent of a child who is not yours by birth. That can mean a child in foster care, a newborn, a child from another country, or the child of your spouse. Each path has its own steps, so start by learning which one fits your family.
How to judge your quote
- Get every fee in writing before you sign.
- Ask what happens to your money if a match falls through.
- Ask which costs are paid back by the state or an employer.
- Compare at least two agencies or lawyers.
- Compare the total with the range above: $0 to $60,000 per adoption for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Look at foster care adoption first. Justia lists it at $0 to $2,500, and states often waive or pay back many of the fees.
- Ask your employer if it offers adoption help. Some companies pay part of the fees, so check with human resources before you start.
- Ask a tax pro about the federal adoption tax credit. It may give back some of what you spend, so keep every receipt.
- Compare an independent adoption with an agency adoption. TrustedCare lists independent at $25,000 to $45,000 and agency at $30,000 to $60,000.
- Ask each agency for a written list of every fee and what it covers. Do not sign until you see the full picture.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from TODAY, Justia, National Adoption Foundation and TrustedCare. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to adopt a child?
Adoption costs $0 to $60,000 in 2026, based on the sources we checked. TODAY says the average in the United States is $20,000 to $45,000. The type of adoption sets most of the price.
What is the cheapest way to adopt?
Foster care adoption is the cheapest. Justia lists it at $0 to $2,500, and TrustedCare lists $500 to $3,000. A step-parent adoption is also low, at $1,000 to $3,000.
How much does infant adoption cost?
TrustedCare lists $30,000 to $60,000 for a private agency and $25,000 to $45,000 for an independent adoption. Justia lists $20,000 to $50,000 for a domestic infant adoption.
How much does international adoption cost?
Justia lists $25,000 to $60,000. TrustedCare lists $25,000 to $50,000. The National Adoption Foundation lists $15,000 to $45,000. Travel and paperwork are a big part of the cost.
Is foster care adoption really free?
It often costs very little. TODAY says the costs are typically paid back and range from $0 to $3,000. Costs differ by state, so ask your local agency.