Michael Craven

When life takes an unexpected turn, particularly within the sensitive realm of family matters, securing experienced and empathetic legal representation is paramount. For individuals and families across Illinois, especially in the Highland Park area, navigating issues such as divorce, child custody, or complex financial divisions requires a lawyer with not only deep legal knowledge but also a profound understanding of the personal challenges involved. Michael Craven stands as a highly regarded family law attorney, offering over three decades of dedicated experience to help clients in Illinois achieve their best possible outcomes with clarity and confidence.

Michael Craven is known for his ability to provide strategic guidance through what can often be the most difficult periods in a person's life. His approach is rooted in finding practical solutions that prioritize the well-being of his clients and their families, aiming to resolve disputes effectively and efficiently. This commitment to client-centered advocacy, combined with a strong financial background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an LL.M. in Tax Law, sets him apart as a valuable resource for anyone in Illinois facing intricate family law matters.

Strategically located to serve the residents of Highland Park and the broader Illinois region, Michael Craven's office provides convenient access for those in need of family law assistance. You can find his practice at 1700 Green Bay Rd Ste 200, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA. This accessible location in a prominent North Shore community ensures that clients can easily reach the office for consultations and meetings, alleviating some of the logistical stress often associated with legal proceedings.

Highland Park, Illinois, is known for its welcoming community and convenient connections within the Chicagoland area. The office on Green Bay Road is situated in a well-established area, making it readily reachable whether you are commuting from within Highland Park or from surrounding towns in Illinois. Easy access to major roadways contributes to a smooth journey for clients, allowing them to focus on their legal matters without undue concern for travel. While his primary firm, Harrison LLP, also has an office in downtown Chicago, this Highland Park location provides a focused and accessible point of contact for North Shore clients.

Michael Craven possesses extensive experience spanning over 30 years in all aspects of family law. His comprehensive range of services is designed to address the diverse and often complex needs of individuals and families throughout Illinois. His unique background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and with an LL.M. in Tax Law provides an invaluable advantage, particularly in cases involving intricate financial matters. Key services include:

• Divorce & Dissolution of Marriage: Providing expert guidance through the entire divorce process, including the division of marital property (assets and debts), business valuations, and the often-complex issue of spousal maintenance (alimony).
• Child Custody & Visitation (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities & Parenting Time): Assisting parents in establishing, modifying, and enforcing arrangements related to children's living situations, decision-making, and visitation schedules, always prioritizing the child's best interests.
• Child Support: Determining equitable child support orders, including initial calculations, modifications, and enforcement, considering all sources of parental income.
• Paternity: Establishing legal parentage, which impacts rights and responsibilities concerning child support, custody, and inheritance.
• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting and reviewing agreements designed to protect assets and clarify financial arrangements before or during marriage, leveraging his strong financial and tax law expertise.
• High-Asset Divorce: Specializing in complex divorces involving significant assets, business interests, and executive compensation packages, ensuring thorough financial analysis and strategic protection of wealth.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution: Offering mediation and collaborative law services to help clients resolve disputes amicably and cost-effectively, avoiding lengthy and contentious court battles whenever possible. He is a certified court-certified mediator in Cook County, Illinois.
• Litigation: When amicable resolution is not possible, providing tenacious and experienced courtroom advocacy to fight for clients' rights and interests.
• Domestic Violence & Orders of Protection: Assisting individuals in obtaining or defending against orders of protection to ensure safety and security.
• Grandparents' Rights: Representing grandparents seeking visitation or custody rights in certain circumstances.
• Enforcement and Modification of Orders: Helping clients enforce existing court orders or seek modifications when there's a significant change in circumstances.

His comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive tailored advice and robust representation, particularly in financially complex family law cases.

Michael Craven's practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his commitment to client success and professional excellence:

• Extensive Experience: With over 30 years in family law, Michael Craven brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in handling a vast array of cases, from straightforward divorces to highly complex, high-asset disputes.
• Unique Financial Acumen: As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holding an LL.M. in Tax Law, Michael possesses a rare and invaluable skill set for dissecting complex financial matters, including hidden assets, business valuations, and intricate compensation structures in divorce cases. This dual expertise ensures a comprehensive approach to asset protection and division.
• Client-Centered and Empathetic Approach: Clients consistently describe Michael as "trustworthy," "calm," and "empathetic." He is known for listening intently, understanding his clients' perspectives during challenging times, and guiding them to make "smart, clear-headed decisions" rather than emotionally driven ones.
• Skilled Negotiator and Litigator: While he prioritizes amicable resolutions through mediation and collaborative law to minimize conflict and costs, Michael is a trial-tested attorney with decades of in-court experience. He is a fierce advocate when litigation becomes necessary, ensuring his clients' interests are vigorously protected.
• Highly Recognized Professional: Michael Craven has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (Family Law, 2015-present), named a Leading Lawyer (2009-present), and an Illinois Super Lawyer (2009-present). He also holds an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
• Commitment to the Community: Michael is a Fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and actively involved with organizations like The Lilac Tree, which supports individuals navigating divorce, demonstrating his dedication beyond individual case work.

These highlights collectively demonstrate Michael Craven's comprehensive expertise, compassionate advocacy, and strong reputation within the Illinois legal community.

As a highly experienced and specialized family law attorney, Michael Craven, like most professional legal service providers, does not typically advertise generalized "promotions" or "special offers." The fees for legal services in complex areas like family law are generally based on the specifics of each case, including its complexity, the time required, and the unique circumstances of the client.

However, it is a common practice for legal professionals to offer an initial consultation to prospective clients. This meeting allows Michael Craven to understand the details of your situation, assess your legal needs, and provide an initial overview of potential strategies and outcomes. During this consultation, you would also have the opportunity to discuss his fee structure, typical billing practices (such as hourly rates and retainer requirements), and gain a clearer understanding of the estimated costs involved in your specific family law matter.

To get the most accurate and personalized information regarding his services and fee arrangements, it is highly recommended to contact Michael Craven directly. This direct conversation will ensure you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your legal representation.

If you are located in Illinois and are seeking expert legal guidance for a family law matter, connecting with Michael Craven is simple. You can reach his Highland Park office through the following contact details:

• Address: 1700 Green Bay Rd Ste 200, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA
• Phone: (312) 621-5234
• Mobile Phone: +1 312-621-5234

These contact points provide direct access to Michael Craven and his team, enabling you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your specific legal needs. The availability of both a primary office phone and a mobile number underscores his commitment to accessibility, ensuring that clients can reach out conveniently, particularly during sensitive or urgent situations.

For individuals and families across Illinois, especially those residing in Highland Park and the surrounding North Shore communities, Michael Craven offers a uniquely suitable and highly advantageous option for family law representation. His extensive experience, specialized financial acumen, and empathetic approach make him an ideal choice for navigating the often-complex and emotionally charged landscape of family legal matters.

First and foremost, Michael Craven's remarkable 30+ years of experience in family law, coupled with his background as a CPA and tax law expert, provides an unparalleled advantage for clients. This dual expertise is particularly critical in Illinois, where high-asset divorces and complex financial arrangements are common. Locals can rest assured that their intricate financial interests, whether involving businesses, investments, or executive compensation, will be handled with meticulous attention and strategic insight. This level of comprehensive financial and legal understanding is a rare asset and directly benefits clients in their pursuit of equitable outcomes.

Furthermore, his reputation as a "highly recommended," "trustworthy," "calm," and "empathetic" attorney, as described by clients, highlights his ability to provide not just legal expertise but also crucial emotional support during challenging times. For locals, this means having a legal advocate who not only understands the intricacies of Illinois law but also genuinely cares about their well-being and is dedicated to achieving solutions that work best for their families. His proficiency in alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and collaborative law also means that locals have options to resolve disputes amicably, potentially saving time, money, and emotional distress.

In essence, Michael Craven is more than just a lawyer; he is a trusted advisor and a fierce advocate dedicated to guiding Illinois families through their most difficult transitions. His Highland Park location offers convenient access, while his deep expertise, compassionate approach, and proven track record make him exceptionally well-suited to serve the diverse and pressing family law needs of the local community. For anyone in Illinois seeking highly qualified and compassionate legal support in family matters, contacting Michael Craven is a clear path to finding clarity and resolution.