The Law Office of Alan Solomon in Baltimore: Divorce and Family Law on a Flat-Fee Basis

Alan Solomon practices divorce, custody, and family law from a solo office in Baltimore, with a pricing structure built on flat fees rather than hourly billing, which changes how a client budgets for representation in contested and uncontested cases.

What this practice is

The Law Office of Alan Solomon is a sole practitioner family law firm handling divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and related asset division matters in Maryland. Solomon operates independently rather than as part of a larger firm, which shapes case management and client communication directly. The practice focuses on cases in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, including contested divorces where spouses disagree on terms and uncontested divorces where both parties have reached agreement.

Services and flat-fee structure

Solomon offers flat-fee representation for uncontested divorces, a pricing model that differs sharply from the hourly billing common among larger Baltimore family law practices. An uncontested divorce flat fee covers the attorney's time from initial consultation through filing, negotiation of a separation agreement, and the final court appearance. This approach appeals to clients who want cost certainty and do not expect litigation.

For contested divorces, custody disputes, and modification cases, the office uses a retainer model; the client pays an initial retainer against hourly work, typically billed at rates competitive with solo practitioners in Baltimore but below the $250-$350 per hour that larger downtown firms charge. Retainer amounts vary based on case complexity and expected scope, confirmed in the initial consultation.

The initial consultation, usually 30 minutes to one hour, covers the client's situation, the likely process, fee structure, and next steps. Solomon discusses whether a case is truly uncontested or carries hidden disagreements that may require negotiation or mediation.

How this office compares to other Baltimore options

Solo family law practices like Solomon's differ from large firm options (such as firms with five or more attorneys) in cost structure and availability. Large Baltimore firms offer depth for high-asset divorces and significant custody battles, but their hourly rates start higher and team involvement can inflate final costs. Solo practitioners typically have slower response times on large cases but offer direct attorney access and lower overhead passed to clients.

Mediation services, available through nonprofits like the Baltimore Mediation Center, offer a different pathway for uncontested cases: both spouses work with a neutral third party to draft an agreement, then each party uses a brief attorney consultation to review it. Mediation costs roughly $100-$150 per hour per person, which can be less than an attorney drafting an agreement from scratch, but requires both parties to participate in good faith.

For clients with stable agreements and modest assets, Solomon's flat-fee approach undercuts both large-firm hourly billing and mediation, provided the case stays uncontested. Clients facing custody disputes, significant asset disagreement, or spousal misconduct should expect hourly rates regardless of firm size.

Who this office suits and who it does not

The flat-fee model works best for clients whose divorces are substantially resolved before they meet an attorney: the separation agreement is drafted or nearly finished, both parties understand child custody arrangements, and there is no real property dispute or business asset to value. Clients seeking certainty on legal costs and a quicker process also fit well here.

Clients in contested custody battles, high-asset divorces, cases involving spousal abuse, or situations where their spouse has not yet agreed to terms will need the hourly retainer model and should expect ongoing costs. They may also benefit from larger firms with litigation experience if a trial is likely.

What the first visit involves

The initial consultation is an intake meeting in which Solomon gathers facts: length of marriage, children and their ages, income of both parties, major assets (house, retirement accounts, vehicles), and the current status of agreement. The client brings financial documents (pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage papers) if available; they are not required for the first meeting but speed the process.

Solomon will ask whether the client and spouse have already drafted a separation agreement or whether both parties agree on custody and support. This determines whether the flat fee applies or the case requires a retainer for negotiation. If mediation is likely to be faster or cheaper, the attorney will say so.

Hours, location, and logistics

The office operates by appointment; walk-in consultation is not available. Verification of current hours and phone number is essential before contacting the office. Street parking is available in the neighborhood; the office does not maintain a dedicated lot. Remote consultations by phone or video are available for clients outside Baltimore City or unable to travel.

Why this office fits the Baltimore market

Solomon's flat-fee uncontested divorce service fills a common need in Baltimore: a streamlined, low-cost path through divorce for clients who have already agreed on terms. The solo practice model offers direct access and transparent fees without the overhead of a larger firm, making it a practical option for straightforward cases.