Fee Policy and Payment Schedule

The fee for the agency's infant adoption services is 25% of an applicant's adjusted gross income, (AGI, form 1040) with a maximum fee of $25,000 and a minimum fee of $14,000. In the case of special needs or hard-to-place children, the fee is 15% of applicant’s adjusted gross income, with a maximum fee of $12,000 and a minimum fee of $7,000. This applies to children with birth defects/medical problems, children older than 3, sibling groups. There is a reduced fee for subsequent adoptive families coming back to the Domestic Infant program. The fee for subsequent Buckner adoptive families will be reduced by $2,000.

The adoption service fees are to reimburse Buckner for expenses related to the counseling, personal care, medical and other services to the birthparents, as well as a portion of legal and other expenses involved in the placement process of the child. Fees also cover support groups for both birthparents and adoptive parents. Fees include home study services, education and supervision to the adoptive parents. We do not ask adoptive parents to pay “pass through” costs or costs which are related directly to the birthmother. This helps adoptive parents to plan financially, knowing their total fee up front, and prevents families from paying costs for a birthmother who decides not to place her child.

The total fee is determined at the time the application is submitted. The fee is payable in increments as the adoption process goes forward. Once any portion of the fee is paid, it is NONREFUNDABLE.

Initial Home Study & Placement Fee for Infant Adoption
Submitted with Workshop Registration	$ 50.00
Submitted with Formal Application	$ 300.00
Home Study: Office Visits	$ 500.00
Home Study: Home Visit	$ 500.00
Prior to training session (2 day seminar)	$ 300.00
Agency Fee – 1st Installment	$ 2,000.00
Agency Fee – 2nd Installment (placement of child)	Remaining Balance

In addition to the agency fee, Domestic Adoptive families will need to reimburse Buckner for travel expenses for staff travel to their home. Home Study updates will be a charge of $500 each update. Licensing requires updates to be conducted annually, or if there has been a major life change (e.g. birth, death, divorce, change in family constellation, etc.)

Applicants will need to pay their own travel expenses, attorney’s fees, and court costs for finalization of the adoption. These finalization costs are generally around $1,300.00.

Fees will be reviewed annually and are subject to change.

For the most accurate information, and for tips and resources that can help pay for your adoption, please call us at 1-866-236-7823.