Arizona Adoption Laws, Page 6

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Regulation of Adoption Expenses

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Statute: § 8-114(A)-(B)

• Reasonable and necessary expenses, including medical and hospital costs.
  
• Counseling fees.
  
• Legal and agency fees.
  
• Living expenses.
  
• A payment exceeding $1,000 for birth mother living expenses must be approved by the court.

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

Statute: § 8-114(G)

• Expenses which the court finds unauthorized or unreasonable.

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Statute: § 8-114(D)

• An attorney may be paid for services in connection with an adoption only in such amounts as the court approves as reasonable and necessary.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Statute: § 8-114(C)

• Except as provided, a person shall not be directly or indirectly compensated for giving or obtaining consent to place a child for adoption.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Statute: §§ 8-133; 12-284

• The division may charge fees for studying and certifying applicants.
  
• The court may charge fees for conducting investigations.
  
• The filing fee for an adoption petition is $115.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Statute: § 8-114(E), (H)

• The petitioner shall file a verified accounting of all fees, payments, or commitments of anything of value.
  
• The birth mother must submit a signed affidavit asserting she understands that payment of expenses does not obligate her to place the child for adoption.
  
• All cases shall be reviewed by the court for reasonableness and necessity of expenses.
  

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)

Caring for Kids Adoptions

Serving birth parents & families in Ohio. Free services to birth parents.

http://www.cfkadopt.org

Dove Adoptions Int'l

Dedicated to seeking the best wel- fare for the children of the world.

www.adoptions.net

Adoption Connection

Making Sure Babies are Happy. Find a loving family for your baby.

www.AdoptionConnection.org