FEE INFORMATION

We try to do adoption-related work on a flat-fee (or modified flat-fee) basis whenever possible.  We gather information about the case at the beginning and, based on past experience, estimate about how much time and effort it is likely to entail.  Then we take a deep breath and commit ourselves to a total fee.  We collect the fee and a cost deposit, put them into our trust account, and pay ourselves portions of the fee as we hit agreed-upon milestones (such as the beginning of representation, the filing of the petition, the signing of certain documents, the conclusion of various hearings, etc.)  If at some point  the client decides to stop moving forward, any unearned fees and the unused portion of the cost deposit are returned to the client.  There have been rare occasions when we have needed to add additional fees (for entirely unforeseen, significant, out-of-the-ordinary developments), but that is not at all the norm.

We prefer this approach for several reasons.  It gives all of us financial predictability.  It fosters much better relationships with our clients.  They can call us any time with their questions or concerns and they don't need to worry that "the meter's running," which also increases the likelihood that they will take the time to listen to us.  It gets financial issues out of the way at the beginning, and then we are all just on the same team working through the process together.  And if frees us from needing to track our time.  We like doing adoption work.  We don't like tracking time.

Although every situation is unique, our fees for handling adoptions on this basis are typically in the following ranges:

Independent Adoption - $5,000 - $10,000 (basic additional costs vary but will be at least $400)

Stepparent Adoption - $3,750 - $6,000 (basic additional costs vary but will be at least $360)

Finalization of DCYF Adoption - Currently $1,000 if filed in Pierce County (basic additional costs are typically $360).  Fees and costs when filed in King County typically total $1,500.

International Readoption - Currently $1,500 (basic additional costs are typically $360)) 

International Finalization - $1,500 - $2,000 (basic additional costs are typically $360)

Adult Adoption - $1,500 - $2,000 (basic additional costs are typically $360)

DeFacto Parentage - $3,200 - $4,500 (basic additional costs are typically around $450)

Basic additional costs include the court filing fee, the cost of certified copies of the Decree of Adoption, and two certified copies of the new birth certificate.  (In some cases other additional costs include the cost of a homestudy and/or post-placement report, process service, investigation, paternity testing, publication, etc., which are not included in the estimates above.)