Does this sound right?

FinallyMrs.G

So, we are still going through our contract and getting questions ready for the agency and just wanted to run one part by you all, just for thoughts and opinions. It says they can change the fees whenever they choose to. I am not too excited about signing a contract with set fees and then having them change at some point along the process. This seems crazy to DH and I. What are your thoughts?

silliestbunny

I'd ask for specifications of changes that have been made over the last three years.  It may be protection for the agency...but it also may be that this agency hikes fees.  If they can show you that their prices have remained steady and reflected general inflation rates, I probably wouldn't be too worried. 

EmmieB

silliestbunny:

I'd ask for specifications of changes that have been made over the last three years.  It may be protection for the agency...but it also may be that this agency hikes fees.  If they can show you that their prices have remained steady and reflected general inflation rates, I probably wouldn't be too worried. 

 this.

Also: I'd get clarification. It raises some flags. Are their fees laid out, or is there a lot of "not included in fees..." stuff?

You should get them to be as clear as possible.

FinallyMrs.G

Everything is laid out very clearly as far as the fees. We are going to have a meeting with them next week and go over the contract very throughly and hopefully get moving. Until then I will be a nervous wreck.

Dr.Loretta

Ours states the same thing. The way I looked at it, their costs may increase at some point, so they'd have to adjust their fees accordingly. It seems to be pretty standard language.

The fees this year are the same as last year, so we're not too worried.

jacksjerseygirl

In my experience, this is standard language. As other stated, ensure that your contract does lay out in detail the current fees. If it would make  you feel more confident in your agency then ask for the last 3-5 years of fees increase changes to see how often they change.

ColoRxGirl

I'd want more detail.

Our contract had a detailed, two-page rider with the fees spelled out explicitly. 

The only deviation would be birthparent support/medical - which, obviously, could be different for every situation.