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State adoptions
These adoptions originate with Oregon's Department Of Human Services, Children,
Adults and Families, or with other states' children's agencies. The children of
these adoptions have been removed from their birth parents to the care of the
state for a variety of reasons. The home study is performed by the state agency
or its designate, and expenses are paid for by the agency. The adoptive parent
most often receives a monthly stipend throughout the child's minority, as well
as secondary medical coverage (including some mental health care) through the
Oregon Health Plan. Most of these children are injured, some severely. I have
represented over a thousand families in these adoptions since 1991.
Step-parent adoptions
One parent is the natural parent; the stepparent wishes to adopt. This kind of
adoption can only occur if you have consent or abandonment by the other natural
parent. Rarely requires a home study.
Grandparent adoptions
Increasingly prevalent, the parents of one biological parent adopt the child when
the biological parents can't do it. Rarely require a home study.
Private adoptions
May be through private placement, or through an agency. Home study performed by the
agency, or by an agency of the adoptive parents' choice.
International adoptions (or foreign readoptions)
Most often, this is a readoption of the child following an adoption in a foreign
country; in limited cases, it may be a local adoption of a foreign national by a
US citizen. In case of a readoption, the purpose is to get a local birth certificate.
Unrelated to immigration, which works under its own rules; but adoption of a foreign
child under the age of 16 may be necessary to obtain US citizenship. Check with your
immigration lawyer.
Adult adoptions
Usually done in order to honor an existing relationship; may also be done for tax or
inheritance reasons; some historians believe that one reason for the fall of ancient
Rome was tax-and-inheritance-related adult adoptions, which dampened the birth rate
of native Roman citizens and weakened the ruling classes.
Adoption expenses
- Court filing fee ($100)
- Birth certification fee ($50 in Oregon; varies in other states)
- Criminal background check ($10 per person over the age of 18, included in a home study)
- Home studies (can cost $800 to $1300, sometimes more)
- Certified mail notice to State of Oregon ($5)
- Certified mail needed in some other instances ($5 each instance)
- Service of summons by personal service ($50) or by publication ($150 - 300)
- Attorney fees start from around $700 (simplest adult adoptions)
Flat fees available for simple, uncontested adoptions with consents; hourly charges
for more complex procedures, including litigation.
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