Adoption can be a fulfilling way to grow your family and provide a child with a loving home. One of the first steps you must take in your adoption journey is deciding whether you want to choose the path of domestic vs. international adoption. While every family is different and has unique needs, it’s important to understand the differences between both processes to determine which path is right for you. Below are some essential things you should consider when it comes to adopting in the United States and overseas.

The Costs of Domestic vs. International Adoption

Typically, the cost of a domestic adoption can range between $28,000 to $35,000. International adoption costs on average, $30,000 to $35,000. However, every case is different and costs could potentially be much higher based on a broad scope of factors. Importantly, while the total cost of domestic vs. international adoption are comparable, each process has its own specific costs.

Some of the fees you can expect to pay in adoption include:

• Travel costs — The costs associated with international travel can be substantial. In addition to airfare expenses, visas, and out-of-pocket costs, international adoption might also require several longer visits to your child’s home country.
• The expectant mother’s expenses — In some domestic adoptions, the adoptive parents might agree to provide living or medical expenses for the expectant mother.
• Agency fees — Adoption agency fees can vary widely, based on the type of adoption and the agency.
• Home study costs — All adoptions require a home study, whether you are adopting domestically or from another country. All international home studies must be completed by a Hague-accredited provider.
• Attorney fees — The legal fees you will pay for the adoption can depend upon how complex your case is and your specific legal needs.

Often, adoption costs can be paid for with adoption tax credits, adoption assistance, and grants that are available to adoptive families.

Adoption Requirements

The requirements for domestic adoption vs. international adoption are different. With domestic adoption, you must meet the criteria of the agency and New York State. In an international adoption, you must satisfy the requirements of that particular country. Although almost anyone over 18 can become an adoptive parent in New York, some countries have marriage and maximum age requirements.

Age of the Child

The age of the child you wish to adopt can play a role in whether you decide to proceed with domestic vs. international adoption. For instance, if you are looking to adopt a newborn, domestic adoption may be your best option. Since the international adoption process can often take longer due to local guidelines and compliance with various requirements, there is always a wait period. In most international adoptions, the child will be at least two years old by the time of immigration to the United States.

Medical Information About the Child

A major difference between domestic vs. international adoption is the availability of the child’s medical background information. Typically, in a domestic adoption, the birth mother will provide a medical history and genetic information to the adoptive parents. You can also ask a physician to review the birth mother’s prenatal records and ask for any possible information regarding exposure to alcohol or drugs while the child was in the womb.

With international adoption, the child’s history typically begins when they are “abandoned” at the maternity hospital or left at an orphanage. There are very few instances in which a birth parent can be reached when adopting overseas, and the medical history of the biological family is often unavailable. International adoptees may also be at risk for certain illnesses that are not common in the United States, as well as infections caused by malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and lack of clean water. In addition, parents who are adopting an older child should be prepared for emotional or developmental challenges that may have been caused by neglect or abuse.

Changes in International Adoption Laws

One of the things adoptive parents should be prepared for when considering domestic vs. international adoption is changing adoption laws. Each country has its own legal mandates that must be followed. There are also visa, immigration, and citizenship processes. Notably, adoption laws can change each year from country to country — some nations may ban overseas adoptions for political reasons or other unpredictable factors.

Contact an Experienced New York Adoption Attorney

Whether domestic adoption or international adoption is the best path for you, it is essential to work with an experienced adoption attorney who can walk with you every step of the way through the process. Located in Lakeville, New York, Duke Law Firm, P.C., handles various types of adoptions and can provide the guidance you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate your adoption journey.