Counseling and placement by an adoption agency of the youth welfare offices is free of charge for the adopting parents. The specialists check the requirements and accompany the entire adoption process. What the adopting parents have to pay are the notary fees for the adoption application and notarization as well as the court costs of the family court. There may also be fees for issuing a health certificate or a police clearance certificate.

In the case of counseling and placement by an independent adoption agency, the costs are based on the underlying contract. Many independent agencies offer their services free of charge. However, there are also agencies in North Rhine-Westphalia that charge fees of varying amounts for domestic services.

Mothers or parents who wish to give their child up for adoption only have to pay the notary fees for the declaration of release. These costs amount to approx. 30 euros.

The costs of adopting a stepchild are similar to those of a domestic adoption. You will have to expect the usual notary fees, court fees and fees for issuing documents such as a health certificate and police clearance certificate.

The costs of an international adoption are significantly higher than for a domestic adoption. They depend in particular on the country of origin of the adopted child. Parents can expect to pay the following amounts:

All in all, experience has shown that the costs of an international adoption amount to between 15,000 and 30,000 euros.