Adoption is one of the most rewarding ways to grow a family, but the financial side of the process is a concern for many prospective parents. If you’re asking, “What is the cost of adoption in Texas?”, the answer depends on the type of adoption you pursue. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ADOPTION COSTS
- Type of adoption (foster care, private, kinship, stepparent, international, or adult adoption)
- Attorney and court fees
- Home study costs
- Agency fees (for private or international adoptions)
- Birth parent expenses (in private adoptions)
- Travel requirements
COST OF ADOPTION IN TEXAS BY TYPE
1. Foster Care Adoption
- Cost: $0–$2,500 (often reimbursed by the state)
- Most affordable option. Texas often covers attorney fees, home studies, and court costs. Adoptive families may also qualify for subsidies, Medicaid for the child, and tuition waivers at state universities.
2. Kinship or Stepparent Adoption
- Cost: $1,000–$5,000
- Covers court filing fees, background checks, and legal services. If the biological parent contests termination of rights, costs may increase.
3. Private Infant Adoption
- Cost: $20,000–$50,000
- Includes agency or attorney fees, medical expenses for the birth mother, counseling, home studies, and court costs.
4. International Adoption
- Cost: $25,000–$60,000
- Covers international agency fees, travel, lodging, immigration paperwork, and legal expenses.
5. Adult Adoption
- Cost: $500–$2,000
- Usually limited to filing fees and attorney fees; no home study required.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES TO CONSIDER
- Home Study: $1,000–$2,500 (unless waived in some kinship or stepparent cases)
- Court Filing Fees: $300–$400
- Attorney Fees: $1,000–$5,000+ (more if the case is contested)
- Travel Expenses: For out-of-state or international adoptions
HOW TO OFFSET ADOPTION COSTS
- Federal Adoption Tax Credit: Up to $15,000+ in qualifying adoption expenses (adjusted annually)
- Employer Assistance: Some companies reimburse part of adoption costs or provide paid leave
- Adoption Grants and Loans: Available through nonprofits and financial institutions
- State Support: Foster care adoptions often come with monthly subsidies, Medicaid, and other benefits
KEY TAKEAWAYS: ADOPTION COSTS AND SUPPORT IN TEXAS
So, what is the cost of adoption in Texas?
- Foster care adoptions are usually free or very low cost.
- Kinship and stepparent adoptions average a few thousand dollars.
- Private and international adoptions range from $20,000 to $60,000.
While the cost can feel daunting, financial assistance, subsidies, and tax credits can make adoption more affordable for Texas families.
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.