Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses - American Samoa

Date: May 2022

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.0430(a)

Attorney's fees and charges and fees that are approved by the court are the only payments that are permitted.

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.0430(a)

No person may offer any money or other consideration in connection with an adoption apart from attorney's fees and court fees.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.0430(a)

No person may charge or accept money in connection with an adoption.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.0430(a)

Charges and fees, as may be approved by the court, are allowed.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.0420(d)

A statement of any fee charged relative to the adoption is submitted to the court with the petition and states that no additional fees are charged.