Financial Matters We do not charge prospective adopters any fee for the work involved in taking up their application. Apart from legal and medical fees, you will not be expected to meet any costs at this stage Medical costs You will be required to have a medical examination, usually with your own GP who will make a standard charge to you. This is currently in the region of £50 - £80 per person. The process You won't be expected to pay anything towards the cost of your assessment and preparation as adopters. Legal expenses Once a child has been placed with you and has settled sufficiently for you to apply for a legal Adoption Order, then you will have to pay a court fee when you lodge your application for that order. If the adoption application is complex and legal representation is needed, the Local Authority who has current responsibility for the child will meet the cost (providing you are not entitled to Legal Aid). Financial support Local Authorities are required to consider whether it is necessary for them to offer financial support to adopters where the child has particular needs. Any financial support offered will be assessed in relation to your income and the child's needs. Allowances may be paid for a long-term ongoing period, or as a one off lump sum. Such allowances do not affect the rights and responsibilities you have as an adoptive parent. Child benefit Adopters are entitled to claim Child Benefit from the time the child comes to live with them. Adopters may also be entitled to Child Tax and Working Tax credit, dependent on their situation. Do I need to be in a job and own my own home? It is not necessary for an adopter to be in employment, or to be a home owner. We will need to make sure that you are financially secure and able to provide stability for a child, so these things will be discussed with you. However, you don't have to be 'rich' to adopt. | 
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