Most adoptions are done without an agency.  Having an agency is in no way required in the adoption process, but having one can make life easier.  Our firm is happy to work with adoption agencies, and many of our fees are lower if a client had an adoption agency involved.  Adoption agencies can assist in locating children in need of a family, coordinating non-legal aspects of the case (such as home evaluations and information verification), and connecting adoptive parents with the right resources.

One warning (primarily an issue in international cases):  Our firm cannot work with adoption agencies that provide cash in exchange for adoption to adoptive parents.  This is not ethical and violates the laws under which our firm operates.  (Hospital bills, legal costs, and any costs associated with the birth, care of the child, and adoption are permitted.)  Most agencies are ethical, however.  

Agencies can be a life-saver supporting you through the process, and we are happy to work with any agency, even if we have not worked with them before.  Be sure to let your attorney know that you have an agency coordinating your adoption, so that we can make sure that you get the lower rates that we charge with agency involvement.  (Adoptions between individuals in Georgia with an agency requires a $2,000.00 retaining fee.  An inter-state adoption requires a $3,500.00 retaining fee with an adoption agency, while an international adoption requires a $5,000.00 retaining fee.  We bill hourly against these respective retaining fees at $250.00 to $395.00 an hour, depending on the experience of the attorney.)

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To schedule a free consultation with one of our adoption law attorneys, please call 770-863-8355.