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Lawmakers move to raise state-paid adoption attorney fees to speed placements
Summary
HB 17-72 would increase state-paid adoption attorney reimbursement (noncontested to $2,500; contested to $4,000) and separate guardian fees (up to $750) to remove financial barriers that slow adoptions from foster care, sponsors said.
Representative from Jefferson said HB 17-72 focuses on removing the financial disincentive that can delay adoptions by increasing the state's reimbursement to attorneys who handle adoptions. The sponsor said the existing reimbursement had not increased in roughly 20 years and that the average adoption attorney spends about 20 hours on uncontested cases. Under the bill the state share for an uncontested adoption would be $2,500 and $4,000 for contested matters; guardian-related fees would be separated and capped around $750.
Members who served on the children and families committee described the change as targeted and practical. A member who had personal experience with adoption process costs praised the bill and said it made the difference in completing an adoption. The House adopted the committee substitute as presented and ordered it perfected and printed.
