Recent News

Planning for Adoption Expenses

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 6/23/2026
One of the first questions most prospective adoptive parents ask is simple: "How much does adoption cost?"  Unfortunately, the answer is not always simple. Unlike many major life purchases, adoption expenses can vary significantly depending on the professionals involved, the circumstances of the adoption, and whether the placement occurs within Washington or another state. For… Read More

Adoption Tax Credit For 2026

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 6/23/2026
One of the most valuable financial benefits available to adoptive families is the federal Adoption Tax Credit. This tax benefit can help offset many of the costs associated with building your family through adoption. For adoptions finalized in 2026, eligible families may claim a federal Adoption Tax Credit of up to $17,670 per child, subject… Read More

Open Adoption is the New Normal—What Does That Mean for Your Family?

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 6/16/2026
For families considering adoption, the concept of open adoption can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Early in the process, uncertainty about the future and the impact of an open relationship drives most of my client’s questions: -Will the birth parents be involved in our child's life forever? -How much contact will we be expected to maintain?… Read More

Domestic Adoption in 2026: What Has Changed for Prospective Parents?

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 6/9/2026
For many families, domestic adoption is a path to parenthood built on hope, patience, and careful planning. Yet prospective adoptive parents are often surprised to learn how much the adoption landscape has changed over the past decade. The reality is that domestic adoption today looks very different than it did even ten years ago. Technology… Read More

UPDATE: 2025 Adoption Tax Credit – Up to $5,000 Refundable

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 7/25/2025
Effective for the 2025 tax year,the Adoption Tax Credit is now partially refundable up to $5,000 even if you do not owe federal income tax, and you may carry forward any unused credit for up to five years.  This change marks a major victory for families growing through adoption, as the credit becomes partially refundable… Read More

2025 Adoption Tax Credit

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 7/3/2025
The U.S. tax code presently allows adoptive families a tax related benefit for any and all qualifying costs and fees incurred in pursuing an adoption. The IRS allows a fairly broad definition of allowed costs and fees such that in most cases, any and all fees and costs paid to an adoption agency, an attorney,… Read More

Adoption Tax Credit for 2024

Washington State Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Law Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 5/6/2024
The U.S. tax code presently allows adoptive families a tax related benefit for any and all qualifying costs and fees incurred in pursuing an adoption. The IRS allows a fairly broad definition of allowed costs and fees such that in most cases, any and all fees and costs paid to an adoption agency, an attorney,… Read More