👔
Stepparent Adoption
A stepparent legally adopts their spouse's child from a previous relationship.
💰 Cost Range:
$500 - $2,500
⏱️ Timeline:
3-6 months
📋 Key Points:
- Requires consent from non-custodial parent
- Strengthens legal family bonds
- Most straightforward adoption process
👶
Domestic Infant Adoption
A woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy chooses adoption for her baby.
💰 Cost Range:
$5,000 - $15,000
⏱️ Timeline:
6-12 months
📋 Key Points:
- Usually involves infants under 6 years old
- Can include open or closed arrangements
- Requires home study and background checks
🏠
Foster Care Adoption
A child in government care is adopted when unable to live with birth family.
💰 Cost Range:
$0 - $2,500 (Often subsidized)
⏱️ Timeline:
6-18 months
📋 Key Points:
- Child welfare system involved
- Significant government support available
- Many resources and training provided
❤️
Relative/Kinship Adoption
A child's relative steps forward to adopt them.
💰 Cost Range:
$0 - $3,000
⏱️ Timeline:
3-9 months
📋 Key Points:
- Maintains family connections
- May qualify for assistance programs
- Often less formal process
🌍
International Adoption
Adoption of a child born outside the United States.
💰 Cost Range:
$10,000 - $30,000+
⏱️ Timeline:
1-3 years
📋 Key Points:
- Involves immigration/citizenship processes
- Home study required
- Varies significantly by country regulations
| Adoption Type |
Cost Range |
Timeline |
Common Ages |
Complexity |
| Stepparent Adoption |
$500 - $2,500 |
3-6 months |
Any age |
Low |
| Domestic Infant Adoption |
$5,000 - $15,000 |
6-12 months |
Infants - 6 years |
High |
| Foster Care Adoption |
$0 - $2,500* |
6-18 months |
Any age |
Medium |
| Relative/Kinship |
$0 - $3,000 |
3-9 months |
Any age |
Low-Medium |
| International Adoption |
$10,000 - $30,000+ |
1-3 years |
Varies by country |
Very High |