FAQ About Adoptions

The following is list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about adoptions in SC. If you have additional questions or need clarification, please contact our Executive Director, Denice Fisher, MSW at info@accadoptionservices.com or complete our Request Form.

What is an Open Adoption?
Open adoption is an agreement to allow some form of contact between birth parents and adoptive parents. It ranges from a pre-placement meeting, to letters or pictures after placement, or even personal visitations after placement. Each person needs to assess what, if any, degree of openness is acceptable or desirable for them in an open adoption.

Does the Baby Go to a Foster Home in domestic adoptions?
No. In most cases, the baby goes directly from the hospital to the home of the adoptive parents, allowing the bonding process to begin immediately upon obtaining a relinquishment from the birth mother.

What are the average fees for adoption?
Domestic: Fees can vary from $15,000 to $30,000 for domestic adoptions. The adoption fee may vary according to the needs of the birth mother. Certain expenses can be covered during her pregnancy which includes medical care, housing, transportation and counseling expenses.

International: Typical costs will range from $22,000 to $34,000. US adoption agencies normally charge a set facilitation fee. In-country placement fees, travel expenses and other adoption related expenses vary from country to country.

Is there a tax credit that helps defray adoption costs?
The federal government offers a tax credit on your yearly income tax for costs incurred as part of an adoption. The federal Adoption Tax Credit has also been improved and extended until Dec. 2011, and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010. The credit applies to any domestic or international adoption. It also applies to children with special needs, as well as children who don’t have special needs.

Adoption is a major life event and the financial costs can be significant. Many adoptive parents yearn to share their love and lives with a child of their own. They’re perfectly able to support and care for a child, but shy away due to the initial costs associated with adoption. The good news is that there are tax credits that can ease the financial load of adoption and they’re available to a large portion of the population. The maximum credit is now $13,170 per child, which can significantly defray the costs. Those with incomes under $182,520 can qualify for the full credit. Those making $182,520 to $222,520 qualify for a partial credit. Families with a yearly income of more than $222,520 do not qualify for the credit.

The biggest difference for adoptive parents is that the new credit is refundable. Previously, if their adoption costs exceeded the allowable limit, parents had to spread the costs over a period of up to five years to take full advantage of the credit. That’s no longer true. With the new changes, if your adoption costs exceed the allowable limit, the difference will show as a credit on your income tax. An additional benefit is that the tax credit is reimbursed dollar for dollar. It isn’t prorated. You can also take the credit if the adoption isn’t finalized. The credit can be carried forward for up to five years if need be, or until it’s used, whichever comes first.