MICHAEL C. CRAVEN – CHICAGO FAMILY & DIVORCE LAWYER

PARTNER AT HARRISON LLP, LEADING FIRM WITH MORE THAN 50 LAWYERS

Divorce is relatively common these days, but every case is unique. You need a highly experienced divorce lawyer to represent you – one who has seen it all like I have. I uncover all the facts before I give advice. I provide a strong background in finance and accounting, a tenacious approach to negotiations and years of experience in court. I am the ideal advocate to champion your divorce case.

Contact me at any time for immediate assistance with your case. I am ready to get started right away on your case. Family law cases and divorce cases are time sensitive and a proactive approach can make all the difference. My number is (312) 621-5234, and, in addition, there is a form on this website to contact me and request an appointment. Otherwise, please read on to learn more about my Chicago and North Shore divorce practice.

WE HANDLE THE FULL RANGE OF FAMILY LAW CASES IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

With more than 30 years of family law experience, I have the skills and knowledge to handle the full range of family law cases. I have worked with clients in many different circumstances—from advising parents who are trying to finalize child custody and visitation agreements to advocating forcefully for people who are going through high conflict divorces. Above all else, I am committed to providing exceptional representation in the various areas of family law. Here are some examples:

• Divorce: The futures of your children, the division of your assets, your inheritance and retirement: These could all be affected by your divorce. I help my clients analyze their situations, make sense of their options and build futures that work.
• Legal Separation: Through legal separation, I assist clients who want a support agreement, want to live apart, and want to preserve their marriages — but do not want to secure a court decision on other matters, such as division of property. Contact me to talk about whether this uncommon divorce alternative fits your goals.
• Custody & Placement: Illinois law often encourages maximum involvement from parents, stepparents, and grandparents who have a positive influence over the lives of the children in question. I work with my clients to build the best possible future for their children within the confines of the law.
• Child Visitation: Under Illinois law, the term ‘child visitation’ is now referred to as the ‘allocation of parenting time’. If you have any questions about visitation, I am more than ready to help protect your parental rights and make sure that you can find the best solution for your family.
• Marital Property: I investigate how and when assets were acquired, how they were stored and even their purposes to determine marital property status. I also help uncover hidden assets, negotiate favorable division agreements, and put my clients in the best possible tax position considering their new income situations.
• High Net Worth Divorce: High asset couples face some unique challenges in the divorce process. With deep experience in a wide range of financial matters including accounting and tax law, I can help you navigate the complexities of a high-net-worth separation. I will make sure that your financial interests are fully protected.
• Child Support: Both parents have obligations to provide financially for minor children, even after a divorce. I work during negotiation and litigation to show exactly how my clients' goals serve the best interests of their children. Divorce judges may consider special child support arrangements based on these unique situations.
• Parentage and Paternity: Paternity is the basis of a father’s rights (and responsibilities) in Illinois. An unmarried father cannot access custody or visitation rights without establishing paternity. Similarly, a mother cannot get child support from a father unless parentage has been proven. If you have any questions about parentage and paternity, I am here to help you understand your rights and protect your family.
• Alimony: On paper, spousal maintenance looks relatively simple. I show how my clients' needs and situations set them apart from the average. It is often possible to negotiate an agreement that works much better for everyone involved than would the standard Illinois alimony formula.
• Post-Divorce Modifications: In Illinois, a party may be entitled to a post-divorce modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that justifies the change. many ongoing obligations may be modified, including spousal support, child support, and child custody/visitation.
• Mediation: Mediation is a structured negotiation format, but it is less formal, more private and often more efficient than a trial. Other lawyers often refer to me to facilitate this process due to my training and experience with divorce mediation in Chicago and Lake County, my ethical approach to family law, and my tenacity as an advocate.
• Adoption: Adoption is a highly complex area of law. I help adoptive parents navigate the full range of legal issues—from private adoptions to international adoptions. If you have any questions about the law or your rights, I can be reached at (312) 621-5234 or directly through my website.
• Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection: Domestic violence is a serious issue. Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, a victim has the right to seek an Order of Protection. As a skilled trial advocate, I am prepared to vigorously prosecute or defend a domestic violence charge.

WHY YOU CAN TRUST CHICAGO FAMILY LAWYER MICHAEL C. CRAVEN

If you are going through a divorce or a family law dispute, you need an advocate who you can truly rely on to protect your legal rights; one who knows how overwhelming divorce and other family law disputes can be. I am more than ready to help you navigate the process in an efficient and effective manner, while ensuring that your interests are fully protected. Here is how I can help you obtain the best outcome in your family or divorce case:

1. PROVIDING FINANCIAL INSIGHT: You need a lawyer to protect your assets. I am distinguished apart from many of my peers by holding a Masters in Tax Law and being a registered Certified Public Accountant. Accounting is an important element of nearly every divorce. My experience allows me to offer a thorough understanding of the financial and legal systems, securing the best possible outcomes for my clients and their portfolios.
2. DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE STRATEGY: You need a lawyer to help you predict, prepare, and act proactively. My negotiation skill and trial experience help in this regard. The best divorce lawyers look beyond settlements and trial decisions. I help develop strategies designed to win at trial, to outline the long-term future of children — even to safeguard multi-generational wealth.
3. PROTECTING YOUR INTERESTS: You need a lawyer who is ethically bound to defend your financial interests. Additionally, even if you believe your spouse will be fair with custody and visitation (also called decision-making responsibility and parenting time), it is better not to take anything for granted when the future of your family is concerned.
4. SUPPORTING YOUR SIDE: You need a lawyer to put you first during divorce. Many of my clients say they feel much better after our conversations because they know I am their advocate. Divorce restructures life's important and most intimate relationships. This transition often creates feelings of isolation, anger, frustration and sadness. I support my clients as they navigate this new emotional territory. I listen, I care, and I use my experience and knowledge to help make fact-based decisions. I also handle cases involving adoption, partnerships, father's rights and many other types of issues. Call me for immediate assistance at (312) 621-5234.
5. GREAT NEGOTIATOR AND SKILLED TRIAL LAWYER: Nobody wins or loses in divorce, but there should always be a way to maximize the outcome. Beyond having all the facts and understanding in which those facts operate, there is a persuasive element. I am a great negotiator because I actively listen, think critically and have the knowledge necessary to advise my clients based on the specific situation at hand. I also have extensive trial experience and a record of favorable decisions — it is usually much easier to reach a settlement if the opposition knows I am ready and able to go to trial.
6. EXPERIENCE IN HIGH-CONFLICT CASES: Divorces are never easy, but some involve more conflict than others. Narcissists and highly aggressive personality-types often require a level-headed approach, which I provide even during the most acrimonious proceedings.

GET TO KNOW MY PHILOSOPHY

Every family law case is unique. Disputes should be handled with the highest degree of care, sensitivity, attention to detail, and professional skill. I am committed to providing personalized representation to each and every client. You deserve it. The compassion, guidance and sound legal advice I offer keeps my clients calm even during the most emotionally charged portions of the divorce. The law can be confusing. I work to ensure my clients fully understand their options, keeping communication open at all times. I will guide you through every step of the process—with a clear focus on helping you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

CONTACT A CHICAGO DIVORCE LAWYER

If you live in Chicago or any of the surrounding areas and require a Chicago area or Chicago divorce lawyer or family law attorney, I can assist with understanding all your legal options. I keep abreast of the complex and current Illinois family law and can leverage my knowledge and years of experience to your benefit. Call my office today at (312) 621-5234 to learn more about how I can help you.