new to this

itsmyangel

We have one son that we conceived via IVF.   We just did a frozen transfer and got a BFN and now have to consider what other family building/treatment options we want to pursue.  We considered adoption before going the IVF route last time but didn't look too much into it.  

I'm curious if most people here are with agencies, are networking to attempt to find a BM on their own, etc?  really just wanting to get as much info on the process as possible.    I'm seeing costs very as much in our area from 7k-18k....just seems to be a LOT of various ways to go about this....and so much to take in

Thank you 

Dr.Loretta

Hi and welcome

We used an agency. 7-18K is a bargain.

There's an FAQ at the top of the board that will give you some great resources. And feel free to ask questions!

JennyP9

Yeah, if you can find $7-$18k for everything, jump on that!  We have been quoted minimum $15k from 'non-profits' and upwards of $30-$40k from private agencies.  Bleh!

After much research and reading a book on independent adoption, we are going that route.  My reason for that is I can control the advertising that goes out, can have direct conversations with expectant mothers/couples, and can avoid administrative fees in the ten$ of thousand$.  Also, I learned that more than 60% of adoptions are independent adoptions, not agency.  I never knew independent occured so often, but of course agencies don't want people to know that.

 It is definitely a personal decision.  Using an agency would give you access to someone to walk you through all of the steps, but our adoption attorney has been great for that.  Best of luck!

Art Teacher

We worked with an agency.  We tried some networking on our own, too, but didn't have any success with that. 

Our agency averages 25k for domestic adoption.  Could be more or less for international - depends on the country.

 

DaisyZH

That is a really great price, we researched domestic infant adoption agencies and the lowest that we found in our area (admittedly a HCOL area though) was $25,000.  I don't know much about independent, when we were researching we definately wanted an agency to help us through the process.  We also found 2 agencies where you paid a flat fee and expectant parent expenses were paid by the agency, not us.  This was important to us since we have a very limited budget and if we lost expectant parent fees due to an unsuccessful match it would be a huge issue for us.

Foster1Mom

Welcome to the board

 

Courtneyluff

I am so sorry for your struggles. Welcome to the board.

itsmyangel

Thanks for the info.  The agency that quoted as low as 7k for all bases their costs on a sliding scale based on your income and only does 5-10 placements per year and quotes their wait at 2-4 years.....there is just so much to think about.