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Fees & payment
You should know the number before you commit, not after.
Most adoption work here is quoted as a transparent flat fee. Below are our standard fee schedules, estimated court filing costs, and billing policies.
Free consultation
Up to 30 minutes, in person or by video, with no obligation and no charge. You leave with a written summary.
Flat fees where we can
Most adoption work is quoted as a single agreed figure so you are not watching a clock every time you call us.
Hourly where we must
Contested matters are billed at $450 per hour against a retainer, with itemised monthly statements.
The first fee
$500 Initial Adoption Services Fee
The only fee charged before an adoption matter is formally opened, and it is not payable until we have confirmed we can act for you and sent you the written disclosure. It buys a written Preliminary Adoption Assessment, a document roadmap and a meeting with the attorney — and it is credited back in full against your flat fee if you engage us.
In one line each
- Payable when: only after we confirm we can act for you
- Buys: written eligibility assessment, route recommendation, document roadmap, attorney meeting, written fee proposal
- Refundable: The $500 fee is held in client trust until the written assessment is delivered; fully creditable against full legal representation if engaged within 90 days.
- Credited toward the flat fee: yes, in full
- Does it guarantee a placement or a match: no, and no fee ever could
Indicative fees
What each type of matter typically costs.
Attorney fees only. Court costs, home study fees, background checks, publication and agency fees are separate and are paid to those providers, not to us.
| Matter | Fee basis | Indicative attorney fee | Typical third-party costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Free | No charge, up to 30 minutes | — |
| Preliminary application & review | Free | No charge | — |
| Initial Adoption Services Fee | Flat | $500, credited in full against the flat fee if you engage us | — |
| Stepparent adoption (uncontested) | Flat | $2,800 | $450 – $800 |
| Relative / kinship adoption | Flat | $3,200 | $500 – $1,200 |
| Private infant adoption | Flat | $5,500 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Agency adoption (legal work only) | Flat | $3,500 | $500 – $1,500 |
| Foster care adoption | Flat | $2,200 | $0 – $500 (reimbursable under AAP) |
| Adult adoption | Flat | $1,950 | $450 – $600 |
| Readoption / recognition of a foreign decree | Flat | $2,600 | $600 – $1,000 |
| Contested adoption or TPR | Hourly | $450 per hour, retainer $5,000 | Varies |
| Guardianship | Flat or hourly | $3,800 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Uncontested divorce | Flat | $3,000 | $435 – $750 (court filing fees) |
| Contested family law matter | Hourly | $450 per hour, retainer $4,500 | Varies |
| Expectant / birth parent representation | No charge to you | Paid by the adoptive family or agency where California permits | — |
Indicative only. Your written engagement agreement is the binding statement of fees for your matter.
What moves the number
Why two similar-looking adoptions can cost differently.
- Whether consent is given. The single biggest factor. A contested matter is litigation, and litigation is billed by the hour.
- Whether a parent must be located. Diligent search, registry checks and notice by publication all add steps and cost.
- Whether the placement crosses state lines. ICPC adds paperwork, waiting and often travel.
- Whether a home study is required, and whether post-placement supervision visits are ordered.
- Which court. Filing fees, local rules and hearing availability vary by county.
- Whether a guardian ad litem is appointed for the child.
- Whether ICWA applies, which adds notice and evidentiary steps.
- How quickly documents arrive. The fastest way to control cost is to return your checklist promptly.
Paying for it
Ways families manage the cost.
We are lawyers, not financial or tax advisers. What follows is a map of what exists, not advice about your circumstances.
Payment plans
Flat fees can usually be paid in instalments across the life of the matter. Ask at the consultation — it is a normal request.
Federal adoption tax credit
A non-refundable federal credit for qualified adoption expenses, subject to income limits and annual caps. Current year figures: $16,810. Speak to your tax adviser.
Adoption assistance subsidies
Children adopted from foster care often qualify for monthly assistance, non-recurring expense reimbursement and continued medical coverage. Agree this before finalisation.
Employer benefits
Many employers offer adoption reimbursement and paid adoption leave. It is underclaimed — check your handbook.
Grants and loans
A number of foundations offer adoption grants and low-interest loans. We keep a list in the resource library; we do not endorse any of them.
Reduced fee and pro bono
We reserve capacity each year for kinship caregivers and foster carers of limited means. Ask — the worst answer is no. Details: Reduced-fee and pro bono services are available for qualifying low-income kinship caregivers through our community intake pipeline..
Billing questions
Practical matters.
The scope is written into your engagement agreement so there is no argument later. Broadly: our advice, drafting, filing, correspondence, and appearing at the hearings your matter requires. It does not include third-party costs, and it does not cover a matter turning contested — if that happens we tell you before any additional work begins.
A portion on signing the engagement agreement, and the remainder in agreed instalments or at defined milestones. Court costs are payable when incurred.
Wherever possible you pay those providers directly, so nothing is marked up. Where we advance a cost on your behalf, it appears on your statement at exactly what we paid.
Credit card, debit card, eCheck/ACH, wire transfer, and certified check. Card payments may carry a processing fee, which we will disclose before you pay.
Yes. If a document you can file yourself will solve it, we will say so. If another firm or a legal aid service is a better fit, we will name them.
You can end the engagement at any time. We will account for work done to that point against the flat fee, refund any unearned balance, and release your file in accordance with California rules.
Next step
Talk it through with someone who does this every day.
Consultations are confidential and there is no obligation to hire us. Bring your questions, your paperwork and your timeline — we will tell you plainly what the process looks like, what it is likely to cost and how long it should take.