Current Fees
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Step-by-Step Guide)
As of 6/1/10, fees are currently $875.00 per the initial search. Of this amount, $100.00 represents a down payment on expected
search expenses. If a search costs less than $100.00, the balance will be refunded to the petitioner. If the
search costs more than $100.00, the petitioner will be billed directly by the
CI. Expenses of over
$100.00 must also be reviewed by the Chief Confidential Intermediary.
Of the remaining $775.00, $225.00 provides a small payment to the confidential intermediary
(CI) for their services at the conclusion of the
search . The remaining $625.00 is a non-refundable administrative fee to CCIS.
The $875.00 is for one search; there are additional fees and expenses for
additional searches. The current additional fee for each subsequent search
is $200.00. For instance, if the search for a birth mother is successful and she
agrees to contact with the adoptee, she can arrange contact between her side of
the adoptee's birth family with the adoptee. In this example, no
additional search would be necessary for the maternal side of the adoptee's
family. However, if the birth mother only knows the name of the birth
father and not where he is, and the adoptee wants a search for the birth father,
a second search fee of $200.00 will be assessed.
Further, even if no consent is received from the first or subsequent party sought
(either due to a refusal, not being found, or deceased), an additional search fee of $200.00 will be charged
for each additional search.
Fifty dollars of that is an administrative fee and the remainder is to be paid to the CI by CCIS at the conclusion of the case. This
additional search payment must be made to the CCIS
office prior to the CI continuing the search.
CCIS is a non-profit corporation with no state funds allocated for its
operations. However, if at all possible, adjustments in fees may be made for
petitioners who demonstrate limited income. If, after filing your Motion and
Affidavit, you feel you may qualify for a sliding scale arrangement, please
contact our office. The most recent copy of your 1040 tax form, or
documentation of income from Social Security, TANF, etc., or verification of
limited income due to institutionalization or incapacity is needed in order for
CCIS' Finance Committee to approve a sliding scale or pro bono fee.
We regret that CCIS is no longer able to provide a sliding scale. Pro bono cases are still considered for a minimal fee ($200.00), and all search expenses must be paid by the searching party, except in extreme situations when the Finance Committee waives this requirement (e.g. - when the person has no income due to incarceration). Further, pro bono cases may be delayed in assignment until a confidential intermediary becomes available to accept the case.
The fee may be paid by the searching party or by a friend or relative who indicates that the fee is being donated for the specific person's search. CCIS accepts Visa and MasterCard credit card payment over the telephone. The charge for this full payment of the fee is an additional $60.00. CCIS will not accept partial payment by credit card. CCIS does allow people to arrange a payment plan with cash or check payment, but no search will be started until the fee has been paid in it's entirety.
DONATIONS
All donations are greatly appreciated. CCIS' operating funds consist solely of petitioner's administrative fees. Donations are used to supplement pro bono reduced fees to CCIS and CIs and to help pay expenses for those who can not afford them. Further, petitioners are welcome and encouraged to "tip" their assigned CI at the conclusion of the case if they believe they have received exemplary service. The current fee paid to the CI at the conclusion of a case ($225) is considered an honorarium only and not commensurate to the full value of the services offered. Donations may be made directly to CCIS.
