California's Laws on Living Expenses

California

1. • Services related to adoption
2. • Medical or hospital care for birth mother or child
3. • Attorney's fees
4. • Counseling fees
5. • Living expenses

The birth parent must request in writing any payment for expenses.

 It is unlawful for the birth mother to receive payments that exceed reasonable maternity-related and living expenses.

It is unlawful for any person or agency to receive payment for the placement or consent to an adoption of a child.

 A mother may not receive payment for expenses:

1. • If it is contingent on giving consent
2. • There is intent not to consent or complete adoption
3. • She receives payment from more than one adoptive family

1. • The petitioner shall pay to the department or the adoption agency shall charge $2,950 for the cost of investigating an adoption petition.
2. • Petitioners who have a valid preplacement evaluation shall be charged $775 for a post-placement evaluation.
3. • A fee may be deferred, reduced, or waived for economic hardship.

A full accounting report shall be filed with the court, itemized in detail, including receipts from the birth parent for any expenses paid.

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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