Family law has long been one of the most expensive and emotionally taxing areas of legal practice, particularly in large metropolitan areas like Chicago. For families dealing with divorce, custody disputes, or support arrangements, the financial burden of legal representation often adds to the stress. According to the 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report, the average hourly rate for Illinois family lawyers is $327 per hour. This figure highlights the difficulty many households face in keeping up with mounting legal costs, particularly when cases stretch across months or even years.
Traditionally, families are also asked to pay retainer fees at the outset of representation. In family law, these retainers often serve as a kind of down payment on services, and the average retainer amount requested for family law cases is $3,163. For many Chicago families, that cost alone can be prohibitive.
Marble Law has stepped into the city with an alternative approach designed to ease both the financial and logistical burdens of family law cases.
Pay-Per-Step Pricing Instead of Large Retainers
Marble departs from the traditional retainer-and-hourly model by offering pay-per-step pricing. Under this system, each part of a case (such as filing for divorce, negotiating child custody, or preparing for a hearing) is clearly defined with a fixed, upfront cost. Families can then choose to move forward one step at a time, rather than committing to thousands of dollars in advance.
This incremental approach gives clients more control over their budgets while also providing transparency about what each stage of the process entails. Although costs can still rise in complex litigation, the ability to approve services step by step reduces the uncertainty and financial stress that come with traditional billing.
A Digital Platform for On-the-Go Families
The firm also relies heavily on its digital platform, which allows clients to access their cases 24/7. Through a secure online portal, clients can upload and sign documents, track the progress of their cases, and communicate directly with attorneys who co-counsel with Marble.
For people balancing demanding jobs, childcare, or constant travel, this convenience is especially significant. Instead of arranging time-consuming office visits or waiting for calls, families can manage critical aspects of their cases on their own schedules.
Marble also provides a Cost Calculator that allows prospective clients to estimate what their cases might cost before committing. While actual outcomes may differ, the calculator is another example of how Marble is aiming to remove uncertainty from a traditionally opaque process.
Broad Coverage Across Family Law
Marble supports clients in a wide range of matters, including divorce, custody, child and spousal support, asset division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, and domestic violence cases. Attorneys who work with Marble bring years of experience in Chicago courts and guide clients through both routine filings and more complex disputes.
Reviews Highlight Client Satisfaction
Marble’s model has resonated with many clients, as reflected in its 4.2 average rating across more than 4,100 reviews on Trustpilot. Feedback often highlights the mix of professionalism, accessibility, and convenience the firm strives to provide. One reviewer noted, “No hassle getting answers to all of my questions in timely manner. Made payment convenient with their financing,” pointing to the value of quick communication and flexible payment options.
Others focus on the professionalism and steady guidance offered, with one client writing, “The lawyer and legal team was very professional and kept me informed during the whole process. Really making my case go smoothly.” For many, Marble also provides emotional reassurance at a difficult time. As another reviewer shared, “Throughout this difficult time in my life and I had spoke to so many different people before this company have given me hope and I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next. I reached out to Marble company and someone reached back out to me right away and made me feel relaxed throughout the whole process. I am very grateful to this company for taking on my case in such a short time and making me feel so relief.”
These testimonials underscore how Marble’s approach has helped clients feel both informed and cared for. It is important to note, however, that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
A Shifting Legal Landscape in Chicago
Chicago remains home to a wide array of seasoned family law practitioners, but Marble’s model stands out for its structural innovations. By offering pay-per-step pricing, digital convenience, and tools like the Cost Calculator, the firm provides a level of transparency and predictability that traditional models rarely deliver.
For families already navigating some of life’s most difficult moments, that shift can make a meaningful difference. Marble’s presence in Chicago reflects a broader movement toward legal services that are not only professional but also practical, accessible, and designed with the client experience in mind.
