North Carolina's Laws on Living Expenses

North Carolina

1. • Medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, nursing, and travel expenses connected to the pregnancy and birth
2. • Counseling services for the parent or adopted person
3. • Ordinary living expenses
4. • Legal and court costs

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed Statute: § 48-10-103(a)(4) 

Living expenses may not be paid beyond 6 weeks after the birth of the child.

 Except for the expenses authorized by § 48-10-103, a person or entity may not give or receive compensation for:

1. • Placing a child
2. • Arranging consent
3. • Otherwise assisting in locating a child or adoptive family

1. • A payment may not be contingent on consent to the adoption or placement or relinquishment of the child, nor can payments that have been made be recovered.
2. • Expenses may be recovered if they were accepted with fraudulent intent.

1. • An agency may charge a reasonable fee for services, including for preparation of reports and preplacement assessments.
2. • Fees are based on the ability to pay.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court Statute: § 48-2-602 

At least 10 days before the hearing, the petitioner shall file with the court an affidavit accounting for any payments or disbursements made or agreed to be made in connection with the adoption.

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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