Can You Adopt Without an Agency?

Adoption without an agency might seem like a more direct, less expensive way to grow your family—but is it really the safest or most efficient choice?

While private adoption without an agency is legal in Pennsylvania, families pursuing this route face challenges they often don’t anticipate—risks like legal missteps, failed matches, and financial loss. If you’ve waited long enough to become a parent, choosing the right professional support can be the difference between success and another setback.

You deserve to build your family with confidence. American Adoptions has helped over 13,000 families adopt safely and quickly—with an average wait time of just 12 months. Let us help you get there, too.

Get started today by scheduling a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you grow your family.

Can You Adopt Without an Agency?

Yes, you can adopt without an agency in Pennsylvania—but it’s not always simple or secure. This type of adoption is called independent adoption, and it typically involves finding a prospective birth parent on your own and hiring an attorney to complete the legal steps.

But just because you can adopt without an agency doesn't mean you should.

Independent adoption can create legal and emotional challenges, especially when you're navigating requirements like Pennsylvania's consent laws, ICPC (if it’s an out-of-state match), or birth parent expenses—all without professional guidance.

How Much Does Adoption Cost Without an Agency?

If you’re wondering, “how much does adoption cost without an agency?”—the answer might surprise you. While independent adoption often skips agency fees, other costs can quickly add up:

Worst of all, there’s no financial protection if the adoption falls through. You could lose everything you've spent on a match that never completes.

By contrast, licensed agencies like American Adoptions offer financial protection, including risk-sharing programs that shield families from total loss if a match disrupts.

Independent vs. Agency Adoption in Pennsylvania

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you compare your options:

Category	Independent Adoption	Adoption with American Adoptions
Legal Compliance	Must hire your own attorney and manage state-specific laws	Legal services included and fully managed
Matching Support	Find a match on your own	Access 12x national marketing exposure
Costs	Can seem lower, but lacks protection	Transparent pricing + financial protection
Failed Matches	No refunds; start from scratch	Risk-sharing program available

Risks of Adopting Without an Agency

Going it alone might save you a phone call, but it could cost you time, money, and emotional security. Here are some of the most common risks of private adoption without an agency:

Adoption Scams: Without vetting and background checks, some families fall victim to scams or false matches.
Legal Pitfalls: ICPC compliance, birth parent rights, and expense tracking are hard to navigate solo.
No Counseling for Birth Parents: Without support, many expectant mothers change their minds, leading to failed placements.
No Refunds: In most private adoptions, if it fails, the costs are gone for good.

Agencies like American Adoptions offer licensed, full-service guidance, which dramatically reduces these risks.

Why Many Families Choose an Agency Anyway

Many families in Pennsylvania start out wondering how to adopt without an agency—but end up choosing the security and support of working with one.

Here’s why working with an agency like American Adoptions makes a difference:

As a licensed agency, we follow strict state and national regulations designed to protect you and the birth parents throughout the process. This ensures legal compliance and ethical transparency at every step.

Our national marketing approach increases your visibility to prospective birth parents—helping you find the right match more quickly and securely.

We won’t promise what we can’t deliver. Our average wait time is just 12 months, and our estimates are backed by data and transparency.

Unlike private adoption paths, our financial protection program helps shield you from total financial loss if a match falls through.

Our team walks with you from your first inquiry to post-placement support—offering legal coordination, emotional encouragement, and practical help every step of the way.

When you’re building your family, every decision matters. Choosing an agency gives you confidence, protection, and peace of mind—so you can focus on what matters most: bringing your child home.

Your Next Step Toward Adoption Starts Here

Whether you're just beginning your journey or ready to grow your family, you deserve a professional that supports you every step of the way.

American Adoptions offers unmatched services to Pennsylvania families—from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, Erie to Harrisburg. We know the state. We know the law. And we know how to help you become a parent, faster and safer.

3 West Monument Square Suite 210
- Lewistown, PA 17044
1 International Plaza Suite 550
- Philadelphia, PA 19113
301 Grant Street Suite 270
- Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Don’t put your adoption journey at risk. You’ve waited long enough—and you don’t have to wait anymore. Speak with a specialist today to take your next step. Contact us online now.

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