Understanding the financial side of adoption is an important part of preparing for your journey. At HavenHeart Adoption Services, we want prospective adoptive families to understand the major costs, what each payment covers, and when payments are generally due.
Our listed base costs total approximately $9,500, with certain legal, court, professional, interstate, or case-specific expenses potentially varying.
Domestic newborn adoption involves several stages, and costs are generally connected to different parts of the process. We separate the major payments so families can see what they are paying for rather than receiving one unexplained total.
This represents the current base amounts for the application, home study, agency program, and approximate post-placement and legal finalization stage. Certain legal, court, professional, interstate, or case-specific expenses may vary.
Each stage has a specific purpose. Below is the current fee structure for prospective adoptive families working with HavenHeart.
The initial application begins the agency process and allows our team to evaluate your inquiry and begin establishing your client relationship.
The home study is a required part of the adoption preparation process and evaluates whether your home and family are prepared for adoption.
After your home study is approved, your family can enter the active agency program. This fee covers the ongoing agency work involved in supporting your adoption journey.
After placement, additional professional and legal work continues until the adoption can be finalized. This amount is separate from the $5,000 agency program fee.
The agency program fee is not due all at once. It is divided between the beginning of your active program and the point at which an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
Due when your home study has been approved and your family enters the active agency program.
Due when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement, according to the applicable agreement and circumstances of the adoption.
The agency program fee supports the professional work required to maintain your active adoption file and coordinate the process when an appropriate opportunity develops.
Your caseworker remains a point of contact and helps guide your family through the agency process.
We coordinate the agency-side work involved when an appropriate adoption opportunity develops.
We help coordinate communication between your family, expectant parents, and the professionals involved.
Adoption may involve social workers, attorneys, hospitals, other agencies, and courts. We help coordinate with the appropriate professionals.
Your agency file, documentation, communications, and required administrative work are maintained throughout the process.
When an opportunity moves toward placement, our team helps coordinate the agency-side steps involved in the transition.
The listed $9,500 represents the base amounts described by HavenHeart. Certain expenses can depend on the specific circumstances of an adoption.
Attorney services, court requirements, filings, and other legal expenses may vary depending on the circumstances of the adoption.
When an adoption involves more than one state, additional coordination or clearance requirements may apply.
Certain social-work, medical, counseling, or other professional services may have costs that depend on the individual case.
Some adoption circumstances require additional services or expenses that cannot be determined until the details of the case are known.
Important: Adoption costs can vary depending on the circumstances of an individual adoption. The amounts shown on this page are intended to provide a clear overview of the current base fee structure and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every adoption will have exactly the same total cost. HavenHeart can explain expected costs and payment timing for your particular situation before you proceed.
Rather than requiring the full base amount at the beginning, the major payments are associated with different stages of your adoption journey.
Your $500 application fee is paid when you begin the agency application process.
The $1,000 home-study fee applies when you proceed into the home-study and evaluation stage.
The first $2,500 portion of the agency program fee is due when your home study is approved and you enter the active agency program.
The remaining $2,500 portion of the agency program fee is due when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
We understand that adoption is a significant financial commitment. If you need to discuss payment timing or available payment arrangements, our team can explain what options may be available before you move forward.
Talk with our teamUnderstanding the financial side of adoption is important. If you have questions about the fees, payment timing, or what may apply to your situation, our team is here to help.
See all FAQsThe current listed base costs total approximately $9,500. This includes the $500 application, $1,000 home study, $5,000 agency program fee, and approximately $3,000 for post-placement and legal finalization.
85% of the $500 application fee, or $425, is refundable. The remaining $75 is non-refundable, subject to the applicable terms.
It is divided into two $2,500 payments. The first is due after home-study approval when your family enters the active program. The second is due when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
No. The approximately $3,000 post-placement and legal finalization amount is separate from the $5,000 agency program fee.
Yes. Legal, court, interstate, professional, and other case-specific expenses can vary depending on the circumstances of an individual adoption.
Yes. Contact our team to discuss payment timing and any available payment arrangements before proceeding to the applicable stage.
If you have questions about the fees, payment timing, or what may apply to your situation,
our team is here to help.
