There are few things in life more exciting, and more fraught with anxiety, than adopting a child. Adoption is a beautiful and admirable endeavor, and one that BC adoption lawyer Uphar Dhaliwal is ready to help you with!
The process of adoption in British Columbia is a difficult, strenuous one, but we know that any parent who chooses adoption does not do so lightly. A BC adoption lawyer at Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group can guide you through this roller coaster process whether you are wishing to adopt your stepchild or foster child, are looking at infant adoption through a licensed government or private agency or are interested in international adoption.
How much does it cost to adopt a child in BC?
Depending on the type of adoption, costs range from nothing (for adoptions through Adopt BC Kids) to $60,000+ (for local infant or international adoptions).
Here is a breakdown of adoption programs and their estimated costs.
| Adoption program | Activities | Estimated costs |
| Adopt BC Kids adoption | ·     Homestudy
·     Adoption education program ·     Criminal record check ·     Travel expenses if matched with a child or youth from another community |
·     No cost (except travel expenses)
·     Post Adoption Assistance may be available |
| Local infant agency adoption | ·     Homestudy
·     Adoption education program ·     Birth family counselling ·     Post placement visits ·     Legal fees ·     Court filing fees |
·     Starting at $20,000 |
| International adoption | ·     Agency fees
·     International partner agency fees ·     Orphanage donation ·     In-country consultant ·     Legal fees |
·     $30,000 to $60,000 |
| Foster parent adoption | ·     Homestudy
·     Adoption education program |
·      No cost
·     Post adoption assistance may be available |
| Direct placement adoption | ·     Pre-placement assessment
·     Birth parent counselling |
·     Starting at $10,000 |
| Local relative / step-parent adoption | ·     Lawyers fees | ·     Fees vary depending on complexity of application |
| Adult adoption | ·     Lawyers fees | ·     Fees vary depending on complexity of application |
| Aboriginal custom adoption | ·     Lawyers fees | ·     Fees vary depending on complexity of application |
| Embryo adoption / donation | ·     Clinic fees
·     Medication ·     Treatment fees |
·     Varies |
Courtesy of Adoptive Families Association of BC
Is a lawyer required for adoption?
In all situations, an adoption lawyer is required for you to adopt a child.
Even if you choose to adopt through an agency, an adoption lawyer must fill out the proper forms and legal services for you. Some adoption agencies will tell you that you do not need to hire a lawyer, but they will still have their own lawyer on staff, and likely charge you for their services.
Is a lawyer required for adoption?
In all situations, an adoption lawyer is required for you to adopt a child.
Even if you choose to adopt through an agency, an adoption lawyer must fill out the proper forms and legal services for you. Some adoption agencies will tell you that you do not need to hire a lawyer, but they will still have their own lawyer on staff, and likely charge you for their services.
How long does it take to adopt in Canada?
A good estimate for the amount of time it takes to adopt a child is two to three years.
However, the entire process of adoption can take anywhere from nine months to nine years, depending on the type of adoption.
This may seem a little daunting at first, but an experienced BC adoption lawyer can help you expedite the process.
As family lawyers, dealing so often with relationships that are coming apart means we take particular care and joy in dealing with wonderful new beginnings. We look forward to helping you start this new chapter in life. If you’re looking to adopt a child in BC, give us a call today!
