California's Laws on Living Expenses
California
Birth Parent Expenses Allowed Statute: Fam. Code §§ 8610; 8812
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• Services related to adoption
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• Medical or hospital care for
birth mother or child
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• Attorney's fees
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• Counseling fees
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• Living expenses
The 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:
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• If it is contingent on giving
consent
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• There is intent not to consent
or complete adoption
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• She receives payment from more
than one adoptive family
Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency Statute: Fam. Code
§ 8810
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• The petitioner shall pay to the
department or the adoption agency shall charge $2,950 for the cost of
investigating an adoption petition.
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• Petitioners who have a valid
preplacement evaluation shall be charged $775 for a post-placement evaluation.
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• 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.
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