In this continuation of our conversation with Derek Williams on Eternal Family Adoptions, hosts Donna Pope and Nathan Gwilliam dive deeper into the complex legal and financial realities of modern adoption. Derek reveals the shocking truth about adoption costs, including his first $100,000 adoption case, and explains how families can still adopt for under $10,000 through direct connections. You’ll learn about Utah’s unique legal framework that balances the rights of birth mothers, adoptive families, birth fathers, and children, and why Utah sometimes faces criticism for being “too helpful” to birth mothers. Derek addresses the controversial topic of birth parent expenses, the rise of adoption fraud, and the delicate balance between supporting genuine needs and preventing exploitation. The conversation explores the dramatic demographic shift in birth mothers (now averaging 27 years old with existing children) and how this impacts adoption costs and services. Derek also shares his perspective on faith and adoption, including his hope to attend temple sealings for the families he serves. This episode offers practical guidance for navigating the modern adoption landscape while maintaining ethical standards and protecting all parties involved.