How Flat Fees Empower Clients
Transparency and Peace of Mind.
One of the most common concerns people have when hiring a lawyer is cost—and for good reason. Traditional law firms often charge by the hour, with unclear estimates, confusing invoices, and the constant fear that a quick email or extra question will come with a hefty price tag.
As a former family law litigator with years of experience inside the billable-hour model, I’ve seen firsthand how that system creates unnecessary pressure for both clients and attorneys.
At Balbach & Davenport, I’ve taken a different approach.
I offer flat-fee legal services for everything from prenuptial agreements to estate planning—because I believe the legal process should offer clarity, not confusion. Here’s why flat fees are a better model for most clients:
1. You Know the Cost Upfront
When you hire a lawyer who charges by the hour, it’s nearly impossible to know what your final bill will be. With flat fees, there are no surprises. You know the full cost of your service before we begin—and that cost won’t change based on how many questions you ask or how long it takes to get things right.
2. You Can Ask Questions Without the Clock Running
The flat-fee model encourages better communication. You don’t have to hesitate to reach out or worry that a follow-up email will cost you another $100. My goal is to make sure you feel informed and confident every step of the way—and that works best when the lines of communication are open and judgment-free.
3. You Avoid the Pressure Behind the Curtain
Here’s something most clients don’t realize: many attorneys are under internal pressure to bill more hours—not because your case requires it, but because firm leadership sets high billing targets that often have nothing to do with your needs. As a litigator, I lived that reality. I’ve seen the system push lawyers to pad their time or avoid quick resolutions.
I’ve intentionally left that model behind. My focus is on helping you get the clarity you need, efficiently and ethically—without the financial gamesmanship.
4. It Helps You Plan Financially
Legal support shouldn’t be a financial mystery. Whether you’re going through a separation, preparing for marriage, or planning your estate, you deserve to make decisions with a clear understanding of the cost. Flat fees allow you to budget with intention—no hidden fees, no inflated bills.
5. It Reflects the Value of the Work, Not Just the Time
A well-drafted agreement or estate plan isn’t about how many hours it takes—it’s about the clarity, protection, and peace of mind it gives you. Flat fees honor the value of the outcome, not the time it takes to get there. And that’s the standard I hold myself to with every client.
6. It Builds Trust
When you know exactly what you're paying for—and that your lawyer won’t benefit from dragging things out—it builds a stronger foundation of trust. My clients can focus on the decisions in front of them, not the bill behind them.
At Balbach & Davenport, every service is designed to be as transparent and straightforward as possible. Whether you're drafting an agreement or planning for the future, I want you to feel supported—not surprised.
This is how legal services should work—and it’s why I built my firm this way.
