As you can imagine, there are many variables, making it hard to predict the cost of an adoption. It depends very much on the type of adoption and other specific factors. An independent, or private adoption, is typically more complex and more expensive because you must take into account fees for a home study and post placement reports, legal fees, allowable birth mother expenses, adoption agency fees, if applicable, and filing fees with the Clerk of Court. Relative adoptions, DSS Adoptions, and Stepparent or Adult Adoptions are typically uncontested, and usually significantly less expensive.