California State Regulation of Adoption Expenses Law
State Regulation of Adoption Expenses
State-Specific Search Results
California
Birth Parent Expenses AllowedStatute:
Fam. Code §§ 8610; 8812
Services related to adoption.
Medical or hospital care for birth mother or child.
Attorney's fees.
Counseling fees .
Living expenses.
Birth parent must request in writing any payment for expenses.
Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed
Statute:
Penal Code § 273(d)
It is unlawful for the birth mother to receive payments that exceed reasonable maternity-related and living expenses.
Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption
Statute:
Penal Code § 273(a)
It is unlawful for any person or agency to receive payment for the placement or consent to an adoption of a child.
Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child
Statute:
Penal Code § 273
A mother may not receive payment for expenses:
If it is contingent on giving consent;
There is intent not to consent or complete adoption;
She receives payment from more than one adoptive family.
Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency
Statute:
Fam. Code § 8810
The department or adoption agency shall charge $1,250 for filing a petition for adoption; $325 for a post-placement evaluation.
A fee may be deferred, reduced, or waived for economic hardship.
Accounting of Expenses Required by Court
Statute:
Fam. Code §§ 8610; 8812
A full accounting report shall be filed with the court, itemized in detail, including receipts from the birth parent for any expenses paid.
