MICHAEL C. CRAVEN

Attorney Michael C. Craven

Divorce is a complex and emotional process that can be overwhelming for those going through it. As a highly rated Chicago Divorce Law attorney with more than 30 years of experience, I work closely with my clients throughout the Chicagoland area to ensure that they are actively informed of every step in the process. Finding the solution that best serves the interests of my clients’ families is my number one priority.

I represent people in all aspects of family law. My clients come to me with problems concerning the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody), child support, property division, business valuation, finding hidden assets and income, paternity, domestic violence, adoption, and grandparents’ rights. Drawing upon my previous work experience as a Certified Public Account and tax attorney, I negotiate, and if required litigate, financial issues in matrimonial cases. I also handle prenuptial agreements for those planning to marry and postnuptial agreements for individuals who have already taken the big step. See the Practice Areas section for more details.

Most divorce cases reach a conclusion through negotiation, and I have extensive experience reaching my clients’ goals without going through a long and costly court battle. In addition to negotiated settlements, I resolve through alternative dispute processes such as Collaborative Law and mediation in order to settle cases between disagreeing spouses. Some cases result in litigation, and I have extensive experience fighting for my clients in court.

My goal is to help my clients make smart, clear-headed decisions. I approach every case with an open mind and take care to listen to my clients so that I can best meet their individual needs. My clients use words like “trustworthy,” “calm” and “empathetic” to describe me.

I come from a family of lawyers. My father was also a divorce attorney, and I have been connected with the profession for decades. I am proud of my reputation as a tireless advocate for my clients. I am a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which is a select national group of attorneys acknowledged as prominent family law practitioners. I have also received the following honors for my work in Family Law:

• Recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network (2009-present)
• Named an Illinois Super Lawyer (2009-present). A Super Lawyer is considered the best in their profession and “represent the top 5% of the practicing attorneys in Illinois.”
• Received the highest rating from the Martindale-Hubbell® Lawyer Rating System, which denotes “adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence and other criteria relevant to the discharge of professional responsibilities.”
• Selected by my peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers In America© in the practice area of Family Law since 2015.

The Right Lawyer For You:

I regularly share my experience in family law as a guest speaker for Continuing Legal Education Programs for lawyers all over the state of Illinois. Publications and media outlets have approached me to share thoughts on family law, and I have taught courses for and lectured to non-lawyers on a variety of family law issues.

I am a fierce contender in the courtroom with a calm yet assertive style, exceptional litigation skills, and I am very dedicated to my clients. If you have any questions, I’m here to help you. Working together, we can make the best decisions that will have a positive impact on your case, as well as your future.

Education:

• L.L.M., UIC Law, 1989
• J.D., UIC Law, 1984
• B.S., Northern Illinois University, 1979

Court Admissions:

• Illinois, 1984
• U.S. Tax Court, 1985

Professional Certification:

• Certified Public Accountant, 1979
• Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois, Domestic Relations Division, Approved court-certified mediator in Cook County, 2014

Professional Associations:

Fellow – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

• Judicial Relations Co-Chair, October 2019 to 2024
• Board of Examiners/Admissions Committee Member, October 2018 to 2024
• Website/Marketing/Social Media Committee Member, October 2013 to 2024
• Board of Managers – October 2013 to 2016
• Chair of Budget/Finance Committee, October 2013 to October 2018

*All Committees – AAML Illinois Chapter

Illinois State Bar Association

• Member, ISBA Family Law Section Council, 2006 to 2011
• Associate Editor of Council Newsletter, 2010-2011
• Maintenance Guidelines Sub-Committee Member 2007-2010; Co-Chairperson, 2008-2009
• Standing Committee on Voluntary Fee Arbitration (1998 – 2004); Chair, 2002 – 2003
• Member, 1998-present

North Suburban Bar Association

• Secretary, 2014 to 2016
• Board of Directors, 2013 to 2016

The Lilac Tree

• Board of Directors, 2015 to 2021
• Treasurer, 2016 to June 30, 2021
• Volunteer Family Law Attorney, 2021 to date

Chicago Bar Association – Former Member

• Family Law Referral Panel
• Call-A-Lawyer Program
• Cook County Court Facilitator Program
• CBA/YWCA Battered Woman’s Program

JUF/JCLS Community Legal Services

• Volunteer

Harrison LLP Committees

• Diversity Committee – 2022 to present

PRESENTATIONS:

• “Interactive Divorce Education, Support & Empowerment,” Divorce University, by The Lilac Tree, May 7, 2023
• “Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements Workshop,” presented by IICLE, September 13, 2022
• “Finding Hidden Assets,” presented by WGSN-DB Going Solo Network, June 28, 2022
• “Divorce in Later Life, The Gray Divorce Trend,” presented by Realtor Betsy Phillips, June 17, 2022
• “Divorce University – Divorce Math II – How (and When) to find HIDDEN Assets & Debts,” presented by The Lilac Tree, May 1-3, 2022
• “Alternative Dispute and Settlement Agreements,” myLawCLE, November 12, 2021
• “An Estate Planners’ & Trusted Financial Advisors’ Guide to Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements,” Chicago Financial Planning Group, February 24, 2021
• “Tensions on the Rise: Communication During Covid-19”, Co-Present, Bridge2Horizon, May 14, 2020
• “Working Clients in the Legal System,” Panelist Bridge2Horizon Psychotherapists, January 17, 2020
• “Financial Attorney” Table Ambassador, Divorce University, by The Lilac Tree, March 10, 2019
• “Summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,” Presenter at the CCGL Group, April 19, 2018
• “Financial Panel” Moderator, Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, March 4, 2018
• “Legal Information” Table Ambassador, Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, March 4, 2018
• “Legal Panel: Know the Law,” Moderator, Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, May 7, 2017
• “Planning for…When Happily Ever After Ends Sooner Than Expected,” presented to Greater North Shore Estate & Financial Planning Council, September 21, 2016
• “Divorce Math – Assets, Liabilities and Your Budget,” Moderator and Co-Presenter, Evanston Public Library, March 17, 2016
• “The New Divorce Act – What Do I Really Need to Know?″ Panel Discussion, North Suburban Bar Association, January 12, 2016
• The Lilac Tree, Divorce University Moderator, November 8, 2015
• “The Legal Aspects of Medical Marijuana,” Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, April 16, 2015
• “Know Your Finances,” Panel, Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, November 2, 2014
• “Medical Marijuana! The Legal & Medical Side,” Weinberg Community, CJE Senior Life, October 31, 2014 (Co-Presenter: Leslie Mendoza Temple, MD)
• “What Every Accountant Needs to Know about Family Law,” presented to Steinberg Advisors, LTD, Certified Public Accountants, May 29, 2014
• “The Law and Your Finances,” Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, May 4, 2014
• “The Nuts and Bolts of Divorce: Legal and Financial,” The Lilac Tree, March 1, 2014
• “Business Valuation, Financial & Tax Issues in Divorce 2014,” at the annual 2014 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) program produced in collaboration with the Illinois Chapter of the AAML, January 20, 2014
• “The Law, Your Finances, Your Family,” Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, April 21, 2013
• “The Practice of Family Law: Best Practices for Your Practice,” presented by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers-Illinois Chapter, October 9, 2012
• “Beyond the Basics,” Divorce University, presented by The Lilac Tree, November 6, 2011
• “Is It a Trend, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren?” Continuity of Care-Chicago Region, May 3, 2011
• “Business Valuation, Financial and Tax Issues in Divorce 2011,” produced cooperatively by Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, UHY Advisors, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Illinois Chapter. Topic – “Planning Prevents Pitfalls: Do’s & Don’ts for Financial Expert Cross Examinations,” January 17, 2011 (Co-Presenters: Honorable Edward R. Jordan, Anita M. Ventrelli, and James M. Kazmier)
• Ethical & Legal Issues in Divorce, National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter, November 12, 2010 (Co-Presenter: Carol S. Goldbaum, PhD, LCSW)
• Resolving Complex Parenting Disputes, Shared Parenting Support Group, September 30, 2010
• Family Law Essentials-Health Insurance for Children and Related Issues, Illinois State Bar Association, December 2009
• Know Your Finances-Beyond the Basics, Divorce University sponsored by The Lilac Tree, November 2009
• “The Estate Planner Meets the Family Law Practitioner – A Fortuitous Union,” The Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s 52nd Annual Estate Planning Short Course, April 2009, Champaign, Illinois and May 2009, Chicago, Illinois
• Resolving Family Law Issues: The Danger of Boiler Plate Language in Marital Settlement Agreements, Illinois State Bar Association, March 2009, Fairview Heights, Illinois and March 2009, Chicago, Illinois
• The Nuts and Bolts of Divorce: Legal and Financial, The Lilac Tree, January 2009
• Asset Protection in Divorce Cases, Chicago Bar Association-Asset Protection Committee, June 2008
• Getting Paid & Getting Visitation: Successful Fee Agreements, Illinois State Bar Association, April 2008, Collinsville, Illinois and April 2008, Chicago, Illinois
• Computer Spying on Spouses, North Suburban Bar Association, November 2007
• Family Law Issues Affecting the Elderly, Chicago Department on Aging-Provider Council, June 1995
• Special Problems Facing Older Adults in a Divorce, Chicago Bar Association-Elder Law Committee, February 1994
• Divorce Law Basic, The Chicago Public Library/Chicago Bar Association
• Divorce-Know Your Rights, Oakton Community College and The Discovery Center, 1992-1998

PUBLICATIONS:

• “One Year Later: Our Life Working From Home During COVID-19,” with Marla Levie Craven, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Tuesday, February 2, 2021
• “What Attorneys Should Know About Prenuptial Agreements,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Monday, November 2, 2020
• “Are we in a Zoom Meeting or a ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sketch?” with Marla Levie Craven, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Thursday, June 4, 2020
• “How to Spot the Narcissist Holding up Your Case,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Thursday, November 7, 2019
• “Five Soft Skills to Develop to Become an All-Around Legal Expert,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Wednesday, September 18, 2019
• “Midyear Good Time to Assess Your Marketing Efforts,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Tuesday, July 18, 2019
• “Vacations with Kids Can Be Fun, but Divorced Clients Need Advice,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Tuesday, May 14, 2019
• “Child Custody Decisions Have Changed with the Times and Society,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Wednesday, March 13, 2019
• “How State Law Changes Affect Your Clients,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Thursday, January 24, 2019
• “Changing Law Changes Lives,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Wednesday, November 14, 2018
• “What to Do When Politics Affect Divorce,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Monday, September 10, 2018
• “Get Social, Get Online, Get out there,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Thursday, July 24, 2018
• “When a Spouse’s Personality Changes Make Divorce a Necessity,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Wednesday, April 11, 2018
• “Marketing to Millennials: How to Bridge the Generational Gap,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 8, 2018
• “How Are Employer Benefits and Other Unique Assets Divided in a Divorce Case?” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, December 18, 2017
• “One-time Clients Could be Avenue to Developing New Business,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, October 11, 2017
• “Divorce Attorneys Should be Aware of the Many Ins, Outs of Real Estate Law,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, August 8, 2017
• “Difficult Clients: How to Turn Around an Unhappy Relationship,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, June 2, 2017
• “Divorce Practice Requires an Attorney to Become a Jack-of-all-Trades,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 13, 2017
• “Communicating With Clients: Know Who Your Audience Is,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 3, 2017
• “Six Tech Trends to Know Heading Into the New Year,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, December 2, 2016
• “Workplace Fashion’s Gone Casual – Should Lawyers Be Joining The Trend?” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, October 7, 2016
• “The Joke’s On Us: But is it Accurate?” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, August 5, 2016
• “The Price of a Vacation for a Lawyer,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, June 3, 2016
• “Client Intake Process is Critical to Your Growth,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 1, 2016
• “Four Tips for Success in Legal Marketing,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 12, 2016
• “In This Business, Your Reputation is Everything,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, December 4, 2015
• “Updates to Illinois’ IMDMA,” Attorney at Law Magazine, November 2015
• “Are Lawyers Really All That Miserable?” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, October 2, 2015
• “The Formula for Success: One Size Doesn’t Fit All,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, August 7, 2015
• “Growing Older, Staying Relevant in the Profession,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, June 5, 2015
• “In a Crowded Field, How do you Stand Out,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 10, 2015
• “Volunteering is Great for You and Your Practice,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, February 13, 2015
• “One Marketing Plan Does Not Fit All Lawyers,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, December 5, 2014
• “Marketing is a Journey, But a Rewarding One,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, September 26, 2014
• Inside the Minds: Strategies for Family Law in Illinois, 2014 ed., Chapter titled, “Economic Issues and Other Concerns Impacting Family Law Attorneys and their Clients”
• “How Will This (Cheating) Affect My Divorce Case?” Divorce Magazine, Summer/Fall 2010
• “Til’ death do us part, or sooner: The family law attorney meets estate planning,” Illinois State Bar Association’s Family Law Newsletter, Vol. 52, No. 11, June 2009
• Republished in The Docket (Lake County, Illinois Bar Association), May 2010, Vol. 17, No. 4, page 23
• Re-published – Illinois State Bar Association’s Elder Law Newsletter, October 2009, Vol. 15, No. 2
• “Corporations Can Pay Child Support Too,” Illinois State Bar Association – The Corporate Lawyer, Vol. 45, Nov. 12, June 2009
• “The Spousal Remainder Trust – A Modern Income Shifting Device,” Chicago Bar Association – YLS Journal, Vol. 15, No. 1, 1985

QUOTED MENTIONS:

• Citywealth names Michael Craven and Harrison LLP to their Top 15 Diversity Leadership Dream Teams, 2022
• April 21, 2020: Interview regarding stimulus checks issued to couples that filed joint tax returns but are now divorced…CBS News Chicago
• March 29, 2020: Interview regarding how divorce rates may increase due to Covid-19, CBS News Chicago
• Featured business write-up in Best Lawyers® Illinois 2018
• Interviewed by Jeff Blackman of 22nd Century Media for article “When I do becomes I don’t,” Glenview Lantern, June 15, 2017
• Featured business write-up in Best Lawyers® Illinois 2017
• Quoted in article by Jackie Pilossoph of Sun-Times Media for article “Deerfield’s Art of Living helps couples during divorce,” Deerfield Review, January 31, 2014
• Interviewed by Jackie Pilossoph of Sun-Times Media for article “Glenview attorney authors chapter on economy in new book for legal industry,” Glenview Announcements, December 18, 2013
• Interviewed and quoted in the December 15, 2010 (Vol. 156, No. 244) Chicago Daily Law Bulletin; Article by Bethany Keajelis titled “Legal Community Prepares for Civil Unions in Illinois”
• Interviewed by Aging Info Radio November 4, 2010, “Grandparents’ Rights in Illinois,” co-guest Linette Kinchen, Executive Director of GRANDFamilies’ Program of Chicago
• “Computer Spying: The New Technologies Tracking Infidelity, Exposing Spousal Secrets & More,” WGN Radio, November 2008
• Interview regarding a Chicago ordinance holding parents liable for children’s actions, MSNBC Television, July 2008
• Interview and quote in article by Joshua Eisenberg titled: “TheirSpace: Do school officials have the right to see what your kids post online and then punish them for it? A cautionary tale of social networking and online privacy,” North Shore Magazine, November 2008
• Quote in article by Kreiter & Tejeda: “Attorney offers tips on making vows last,” The Daily Herald, June 1995