Domestic Adoption Fees

For more than a century, St. Mary’s has helped to build loving families. As a nonprofit agency, we rely on charitable contributions and fundraising to make our adoptions more affordable. The costs of serving our families through education, counseling and maternity assistance are greater than the fees collected. Please review the following summary and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Domestic Adoption

	Traditional	Identified	African American	Special Needs
Adoption Application	$250	$250	$250	$250
Home Study	$2,250	$2,250	$2,250	$2,250
Program Administration	$3,750	$3,750	$3,750	$3,750
Placement and Post-Placement	$19,250	$14,250	$9,250	$5,920
TOTAL	$25,500	$20,500	$15,500	$12,170

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All fees are revised as of June 2010 and are subject to change.
Learn more about St. Mary’s refund policy.

St. Mary’s Domestic and International program adoption fees are due in increments throughout the adoption process. For the Domestic Program, the placement fee is due at the time of placement. This fee covers most services and pregnancy-related expenses for birth mothers making adoption plans through St. Mary’s. Agency fees include all agency professional services, counseling and birth parent expenses. Educational resources, services and pre/post-placement support also are included in this fee.

As a taxpayer, adoptive parents might be eligible for a full tax credit (or refund) of $12,170 against personal income tax liability for any expenses related to a child's adoption in a calendar year. Please consult your tax adviser and visit the Internal Revenue Service web site, for further information.

Go to St. Mary’s Adoption Information Links for information on financial assistance for adoptive families.

St. Mary’s will assume financial liability for an unsuccessful adoption.

 

St. Mary’s Services is an Illinois, licensed, nonprofit adoption agency. We are committed to providing professional, knowledgeable services.

Due to the ERISA Act of 1974, the adoptive family or their medical insurance will be responsible for any and all of the child’s medical bills incurred from the birth of the child.

Legal Fees of Adoption

St. Mary’s provides clients with referrals to experienced adoption attorneys. Legal fees can range from $1,200 to $2,000 and are paid directly to the attorney. Legal fees are in addition to any adoption fees incurred.