Expert provides insights into the adoption process, guiding both adoptive and birth parents through the legal, emotional, and practical
Key Findings:
- Expert answers top 10 adoption-related questions, including the costs of adoption, adoption records, and adoption tax credit, based on search data
- Adoption costs can range from $25,000 to $50,000, often due to agency fees, legal work, and birth parent support
- Expert emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions through comprehensive research prior to beginning the adoption process
Adoption is a life-changing decision, one that has the potential to transform lives and create lasting bonds. While the idea of adoption may seem straightforward, the reality of the process is much more complex.
“From navigating legal requirements to understanding the emotional journey for both parents and children, the road to adoption can be tougher than many expect,” says Kira Abernathy, the lead attorney at Your Law Firm, a firm dedicated to providing people-first legal services. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many questions and uncertainties that arise along the way.”
Kira and the team at Your Law Firm have conducted a study on the most Googled questions about adoption. Whether you’re starting your adoption journey or seeking clarity on specific concerns, Kira offers the expert guidance you need to make well-informed decisions in this life-changing process.
The study
Your Law Firm used Ahrefs to analyze Google search volume for terms containing “adoption” in the US, identifying the top-searched terms. After filtering for questions, the top 10 with the highest search volume were selected. Data was collected on February 5th, 2025.
TABLE: THE TOP 10 MOST GOOGLED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADOPTION
| Rank | Keyword | Monthly search volume |
| 1 | How much does adoption cost? | 2500 |
| 2 | How to look up adoption records for free? | 1000 |
| 3 | Why is adoption so expensive? | 800 |
| 4 | What is adoption? | 700 |
| 5 | How does adoption work? | 700 |
| 6 | What is an open adoption? | 500 |
| 7 | How many years can you claim the adoption tax credit? | 400 |
| 8 | How long does adoption take? | 400 |
| 9 | Can you give a baby up for adoption without the father’s consent? | 350 |
| 10 | How much does it cost to reverse an adoption? | 350 |
The Top 10 Adoption Questions – And Their Answers
1. How much does adoption cost?
The costs of adoption are one of the most pressing concerns, making it the highest ranking search with a monthly search volume of 2500. Adoption costs can vary significantly depending on the type of adoption—whether it’s domestic, international, or through foster care.
Domestic adoption can range from $25,000 to $45,000, while international adoptions can cost up to $50,000. Foster care adoptions, on the other hand, are usually much lower in cost or entirely subsidized.
2. How to look up adoption records for free?
With a monthly search volume of 1000, the question of adoption records comes in second behind adoption costs.
The ability to access adoption records depends on several factors, including the state and the nature of the adoption. In some states, adoptees can request access to their original birth certificates or adoption records once they reach adulthood. However, the process can be complicated, as records are often sealed for privacy reasons.
“The complexity of accessing adoption records lies in the legal protections designed to preserve privacy,” says Kira.
3. Why is adoption so expensive?
Coming in third is another question regarding the costs of adoption, with a search volume of 800.
Adoption costs often reflect a combination of factors such as agency fees, legal costs, birth mother expenses, medical expenses, and travel for international adoptions. Many people mistakenly believe that adoption fees are solely for the child’s care.
“Adoption is a complex and highly regulated process for a reason,” explains Kira. “The fees are there to cover the administrative and legal work that ensures the adoption is ethical and secure.”
4. What is adoption?
With a monthly search volume of 700, this seemingly simple question has a complex answer.
Adoption is a legal process through which an adult or couple assumes legal parental rights over a child who is not biologically theirs. This process ensures that the child is legally part of the new family, establishing both the rights and responsibilities of parenthood.
While many think of adoption as a simple “handing over” of a child, it’s actually a comprehensive legal process with lasting effects on all parties involved.
5. How does adoption work?
Similar to the previous question, the topic of how adoption works comes in fifth place with a search volume of 700.
The adoption process typically involves choosing an agency or adoption attorney, completing a home study, matching with a child, and finalizing the adoption in court. The specifics vary depending on whether it’s a domestic, international, or foster care adoption.
6. What is an open adoption?
With a search volume of 500, the question of open adoption ranks sixth.
An open adoption is one in which there is ongoing contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents, which may include phone calls, letters, and sometimes visits. This is in contrast to a closed adoption, where there is no contact between the parties after the adoption is finalized.
A common misconception about open adoption is that birth parents continue to have a say in how the child is raised. In reality, while open adoption can involve ongoing communication, adoptive parents retain the final decision-making authority.
7. How many years can you claim the adoption tax credit?
This question about adoption tax credit sees a monthly search volume of 400.
The adoption tax credit is available for the year the adoption is finalized, and the credit amount may be spread over several years if the expenses are significant. While some mistakenly believe they can claim the credit for multiple years after the adoption, the credit applies only to the year in which the adoption is legally finalized.
“It’s important for families to file their tax claims in the correct year to maximize their benefits,” advises Kira. “And while it might seem like a small part of the adoption process, it can make a significant financial difference.”
8. How long does adoption take?
With a monthly search volume of 400, how long adoption takes ranks eighth.
Adoption can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on factors such as the type of adoption, the child’s needs, and the waiting period for a match.
Domestic adoptions often take 1-2 years, whereas international adoptions may take 2-5 years, considering travel and additional legal requirements.
“Many believe adoption is a lengthy, daunting process, but for some families, the process can be relatively quick, especially in cases of foster care adoption,” explains Kira.
9. Can you give a baby up for adoption without the father’s consent?
In ninth place, the issue of paternal consent sees a monthly search volume of 350.
In most cases, a mother cannot place a child for adoption without the father’s consent unless he has been deemed unfit, his parental rights have been terminated, or his whereabouts are unknown.
While some assume that the mother has sole authority in deciding adoption, the legal rights of the father must also be considered in most situations.
10. How much does it cost to reverse an adoption?
Finally, with a search volume of 350, the question of adoption reversal comes in tenth place.
Reversing an adoption, also known as adoption disruption, is an extremely rare and often costly legal process. It involves significant legal fees, court costs, and, in some cases, psychological evaluations.
“Reversing an adoption is not something to take lightly,” says Kira. “The legal and emotional consequences are profound, which is why it should only be considered under the most serious of conditions.”
Kira Abernathy, the lead attorney at Your Law Firm, commented:
“Adoption is a highly personal journey, and there are many questions hopeful parents have along the way. Some of the most common searches are about the costs and different types of adoption—whether it’s domestic or international, open or closed, knowing the variety of options available can help you make the most informed decision for your family. Above all, it’s also important to consider the emotional side of adoption—not only for the child but for the parents as well.
“It should also be said that every adoption story is truly unique. There’s no ‘right’ way to adopt, and every family’s path will look different. Whether you’re adopting through a private agency, foster care, or international adoption, the most important thing you can do is to create a loving and supportive environment for your child. Take your time, ask questions, and know that this process is about building a bond that will last a lifetime.”
[ENDS]
Credit
If you use this information, please include a link to the Your Law Firm website (https://yourlawfirm.us/). This will help us to continue to provide you with quality content.
About Your Law Firm
Your Law Firm, established in 2014 by Attorney Kira Lin Abernathy, is dedicated to providing people-first legal services. Originally known as Attorney KLA, the firm rebranded in 2023 to better reflect its commitment to client-centered representation. Specializing in criminal defense, family law, and traffic-related cases, Your Law Firm strives to empower clients by offering tailored legal assistance that addresses their unique needs and goals. The team, led by Attorney Abernathy, emphasizes creating positive outcomes and ensuring clients feel supported throughout the legal process. With plans to expand both its team and areas of practice, Your Law Firm remains steadfast in its mission to serve clients with dedication and integrity.
Methodology
For this study, Your Law Firm utilized the search engine analytics software Ahrefs to analyze monthly search volume data for terms containing the keyword “adoption” in Google. This process generated a list of the most searched terms related to adoption, which was then filtered to focus on the queries. From these, the top 10 questions with the highest search volumes were selected for further analysis. The data was specifically gathered for the United States region on February 5, 2025.
Full dataset is available on request.
Sources
Adoption Costs: LawInfo
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
