Adoption FAQs
Domestic Adoption
Who can adopt?
How long do I need to wait?
What is the profile of a typical birthmother?
Should we use an agency or conduct an independent adoption?
How can I proceed with domestic adoption when I'm afraid the birthparents will want the baby back?
International Adoption
What are the major considerations for international adoption?
Making Adoption Affordable
How much does adoption cost?
What goes into a typical agency fee?
Who is eligible for the $11,650 adoption tax credit?
What financing options are available to me?
About Adoption Information Services
Where is AIS located?
What hours are you available for appointments?
Why should I use AIS?
Domestic Adoption
Who can adopt?
AIS eliminates obstacles to adoption. If you are able to provide a loving, financially and emotionally secure home for a child, AIS has adoption sources available to you with flexible requirements:
- Single, married or divorced
- With or without children
- Between 21 and 55 years of age
- Without rigid income requirements
- With or without religious requirements
- With or without medical conditions or physical disabilities
How long do I need to wait?
The answer depends on whom you ask and what their experience has been. The answer you sometimes hear is often 3 to 10 years. And yes, this is true for the public system, Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS). It is also true for some very traditional private agencies.
90% of AIS clients who are between 25 and 50, married for at least 2 years, childless or have 1 or 2 children, and with adoption budgets of $30K - $40k for Caucasian, Hispanic, or Asian and $18K to $28K for African American or bi-racial adopt within 6-12 months. The only families that do not meet this time frame choose to move slower in the process due to budget restraints or personal reasons. AIS's success rate is 100% for families who follow instructions and don't give up.
The only other criteria that would possibly cause a longer wait would be:
- A definite sex preference
- Over age 50
- A budget of $25K or less
- Lack of motivation to follow our recommendations
Our success is due to our careful research in finding nationwide agencies that place in a short amount of time. Also by developing an individual plan of action which allows our clients to be registered with multiple placement sources. Our family presentations (from which the birth parent chooses) are of superior quality.
What is the profile of a typical birthmother?
Our statistics show that teenagers have the highest pregnancy rate, and most choose abortion or to parent the baby. Teenagers sometimes consider adoption; however, many are not mature enough to go through with the plan. Many can deny their feelings during pregnancy, but when the child is born they may easily have a change of heart. Most birthparents who have placed their children with our clients are between 19 and 30 years of age. Most of them are single parents to one or more children. They know the realities of parenting and are more likely to go through with an adoption plan.
Should we use an agency or conduct an independent adoption?
Most AIS clients are advised to do both to the extent that they are comfortable. This way you are not limiting yourself. The agency is your insurance policy. You will usually be successful within 12 months. However, also doing independent adoption gives you other possible opportunities.
- 5% of our clients are successful in using independent adoption
- 95% are successful through private domestic agencies
How can I proceed with domestic adoption when I'm afraid the birthparents will want the baby back?
This is an extremely sensitive issue. You might have heard stories from the press, but in actuality - 98% of U.S. adoptions are permanent and are never threatened. Working with AIS will help you spot red flags that will help you remain clear of unsettling situations.
At AIS we:
- Believe in safe and secure adoptions.
- Offer professional advice throughout the entire process.
- Refer you to agencies in 'safe' states where adoption laws are most favorable 'for adoptive parents'.
International Adoption
What are the major considerations for international adoption?
Due to frequent changes in the international adoption process, we can discuss the option with you. This will ensure you have the most current information needed.
Making Adoption Affordable
How much does adoption cost?
At AIS we work within your budget and you only need to make a minimal investment to get started. Most agency and attorney fees range from $30,000 to $40,000 for healthy Caucasian, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian newborns. Fees for African-American or biracial babies usually range from $18,000 to $28,000. We offer suggestions for financing options so don't let money keep you from getting started.
At AIS, we only work with agencies and independent sources where we can ethically explain the fees for services rendered. Remember, you are not purchasing a baby, you're paying for the services to get him or her into your home. You will only need a small portion of the 'overall fee' to begin the adoption process. We will always work within your budget to help you.
What goes into a typical agency fee?
Each client is paying a portion of the following commonly incurred expenses:
- Overhead expenses: office expenses (rent, phones, supplies, and utilities), salaries, employee benefits, and liability insurance.
- Counseling and educational preparation: for adoption parents and birthparents.
- Advertising, marketing, and outreach: yellow pages ads, brochures, newspaper ads, and marketing packets.
- Legal and investigative expenses: termination of parental rights, legal counsel, court reporting services, state and local background screenings, and diligent searches for birthfathers.
- Expenses of birthmother: basic needs expenses are provided while pregnant and up to six weeks after delivery, i.e., housing, transportation, food, clothing and medical care (prenatal care and delivery expenses), unless covered by Medicaid or her own insurance. (Most birthmothers are eligible for Medicaid.)
- Loss ratio: An agency or attorney must be able to recover funds which have been expended on a birthmother who later decides to parent. Also, to encourage the adoption of special needs and minority race children, fees are often greatly reduced and this reduction (loss) must be absorbed by the agency.
Who is eligible for the $11,650 adoption tax credit?
- If your income is $174,730 or less - you qualify for the entire tax credit.
- If your income is between $174,730 and $210,820 - you qualify for a partial credit.
Please click here to view a sample Tax Form 1040 claiming the Tax Credit.
For instructions on completing the Adoption Tax Credit information, please go to http://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8839/ch01.html
If you adopt a special needs child in the U.S. - you will be able to claim a $11,390 tax credit, regardless of whether or not they had qualified adoption expenses.
This is a direct write-off of taxes due. So, it is worth full dollar value. Some applicants will be able to better afford adoption fees due to this tax break. Employer paid adoption assistance of up to $10,000 per child will also be tax-free. But both breaks begin to phase out once a family's income exceeds $150,000 annually.
What financing options are available to me?
There are numerous financial options available for you and we are constantly researching new opportunities for families.
Financing Options include:
- Home Equity or Refinancing of Home: Usually the lowest percentage rate. And usually the interest on the loan is tax-deductible.
- Employer Contributions: Some employers have benefits to partially defray adoption expenses. Check with your human resources department.
- Private Loans: Many families choose to work with their own financial lending institutions to get special loans to provide the needed cash for adoption; talk to your banker.
- Retirement Borrowing: Some families find they can borrow from their retirement savings, then repay themselves with interest. Check with your retirement plan.
About Adoption Information Services
Where is AIS located?
Adoption Information Services, Inc.
1840 Old Norcross Rd.
Suite 400
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
(800) 733-1508
What hours are you available for appointments?
Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
Why should I use AIS?
- We're fast, reliable and safe
- We offer more choices
- We provide direction & guidance
- We're friendly, understanding and responsive
- Ultimately, we work for you
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