Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses - Arkansas

Date: May 2022

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-206(c)

Incidental costs for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care may be assessed, including reasonable housing costs, food, clothing, general maintenance, and medical expenses, if they are reimbursements for expenses incurred or fees for services rendered.

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-206(c)

Under no circumstances may a parent or guardian of a minor receive a fee, compensation, or any other thing of value as a consideration for the relinquishment of a minor for adoption.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

This issue is not addressed in the statutes and regulations reviewed.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-211

Before the adoption petition is heard, the petitioner shall file with the court a full accounting report of all disbursements of anything of value made or agreed to be made by or on behalf of the petitioner in connection with the adoption. The petitioner shall file an affidavit showing any expenses incurred in connection with the following:

  • The birth of the minor
  • Placement of the minor with the petitioner
  • Medical or hospital care received by the mother or the minor during the mother's prenatal care and confinement
  • Services relating to the adoption or to the placement of the minor for adoption that were received by or on behalf of the petitioner, either natural parent of the minor, or any other person
  • Fees charged by all attorneys involved in the adoption, including those fees charged by out-of-State attorneys

This section does not apply to an adoption by a stepparent whose spouse is a natural or adoptive parent of the child, to an adoption where the person to be adopted is an adult, or where the petitioner and the minor are related to each other in the second degree.

The petitioner shall file a signed affidavit verifying that all expenses have been truthfully listed and shall be informed by the court as to the consequences of knowingly making false material statements.

A full accounting report required this section shall include the following:

  • The amounts paid
  • An itemization of expenses
  • The time periods during which each reimbursement or benefit has been paid or will be paid

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