Adoption can be one of the most fulfilling decisions a family makes—but it often comes with questions about cost. If you’re considering adoption in Texas, it’s important to understand how expenses vary depending on the type of adoption you choose.
In this guide, we explain how much it costs to adopt in Texas, breaking down typical expenses for foster care, private, stepparent, and international adoptions.
AVERAGE ADOPTION COSTS IN TEXAS
| Type of Adoption | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Foster Care Adoption | $0 – $2,500 (often reimbursed) |
| Stepparent Adoption | $500 – $5,000 |
| Kinship Adoption | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Private (Infant) Adoption | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| International Adoption | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Adult Adoption | $500 – $2,000 |
The cost of adoption in Texas varies widely depending on the process and whether you’re using an agency, hiring an attorney, or adopting through the state.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT ADOPTION COST?
1. Type of Adoption
Foster care and kinship adoptions are generally the most affordable and may be partially or fully subsidized by the state. Private and international adoptions, by contrast, are fully self-funded.
2. Legal Representation
Attorney fees can range from $500 for a simple adult adoption to $10,000+ for complex or contested adoptions.
3. Home Study
Most adoptions (except adult adoptions) require a licensed home study, which typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500.
4. Birth Parent Expenses (Private Adoption)
In private adoptions, adoptive families may pay for the birth mother’s prenatal care, housing, counseling, and delivery-related expenses. These costs can total $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
5. Agency vs. Independent Adoption
Working with a licensed adoption agency provides more support and matching services but typically increases the overall cost.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS
Foster Care Adoption Benefits
If you adopt from Texas foster care, you may qualify for:
- Monthly adoption subsidy ($400–$1,000/month depending on the child’s needs)
- Medicaid coverage for the adopted child
- Free college tuition at Texas public universities
- Reimbursement of up to $1,200 for nonrecurring legal or court costs
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
Adoptive parents may claim a federal tax credit of up to $15,000+ for qualifying adoption expenses (updated annually).
Employer Assistance
Many employers offer adoption benefits, including financial reimbursement and paid leave.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is adoption ever free in Texas?
Yes. Foster care adoptions are often free or low-cost and may come with monthly subsidies and other long-term benefits.
Can I adopt without hiring a lawyer?
For simple, uncontested adoptions—such as adult or some stepparent adoptions—you may be able to represent yourself. However, legal assistance is highly recommended to avoid delays or errors.
What’s the most affordable type of adoption?
Adopting from the foster care system is the most affordable option and often includes financial support.
Can I make payments over time for private adoption?
Some agencies and attorneys offer payment plans or financing options. Be sure to ask about available financial resources.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, how much does it cost to adopt in Texas?
It depends on your path. Foster care and kinship adoptions may cost little to nothing, while private and international adoptions can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The right legal guidance and financial planning can help you pursue adoption with confidence and clarity.
Considering Adoption in Texas?
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team will walk you through every step of the process and ensure you understand your rights, responsibilities, and options.
Bryan Fagan is a Texas family law attorney with a heart for adoption—inspired not just by his legal career, but by his own family story. Growing up in Atascocita with two adopted brothers, Bryan learned early the profound meaning of chosen family. His passion for justice was sparked by John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, and he became the first lawyer in his family, balancing night classes at South Texas College of Law while caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Bryan brings that same dedication to his practice, guiding families through adoptions, custody disputes, divorces, and complex marital agreements. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, he combines elite legal expertise with genuine empathy—drawing from his roles as a husband, father of three, and advocate for families facing false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is actively involved in the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Sector and statewide family law organizations. Whether finalizing an adoption or protecting parental rights, he believes the law should reflect the deepest values of home, commitment, and love.