I'm NO EXPERT - just beginning the process myself. I wondered this as well since it seems an attorney COULD BE a less expensive way to go depending who you use & how you look at it. My understanding is with some adoption attorneys, you have to do the BM advertising yourself - so you'd have to factor in that expense in addition to the legal fees. But I'm sure they guide you thru the process & some may include this service??? Not sure. Also, I know you want to make sure BM & BF receive counseling along the way... Basically, my feeling is a good licensed agency is more comprehensive in the services offered - but you always have to double check what's provided no matter which way you go. I'm sure some attorneys provide everything... Also I assume you're going to incur add'l legal fees if you go thru an agency... I always hear it's "safer" to go thru a licensed agency - but I know there are girls (some on this bd) that have had really good experiences just using an attorney. Curious to see other (more informed!!) responses.