Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Chicago Divorce & Family Law Attorneys
Michael C. Craven is a leading Chicago law firm with over 30 years of experience in family law and divorce representation. Founded on principles of integrity and client advocacy, we specialize in complex cases including high-net-worth divorces, child custody, and mediation. Our team combines legal expertise with financial acumen, including Certified Public Accountants and tax law specialists, to deliver strategic solutions.We prioritize personalized service, ethical representation, and proactive strategies to protect clients' interests. Recognized nationally for excellence, we serve families across Chicago and its surrounding counties with compassionate, results-driven legal counsel.
Services
Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Mediation
Family Law
Property Division
Prenuptial Agreements
Orders of Protection
Post-Divorce Modifications
Adoption
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of family law experience with proven results
- Unique financial expertise as Certified Public Accountants
- Personalized strategies for complex high-asset divorces
- Recognized as top 5% Illinois Super Lawyers
- Fellowship in national matrimonial law association
Associations and certifications
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell
What people say
Referred by clients
Recommended by peers
Fierce advocate
Compassionate approach
Financial expertise
Services
Divorce Representation
Our firm specializes in all aspects of divorce proceedings, from uncontested cases to high-conflict litigation. We provide strategic guidance on asset division, spousal maintenance, and complex financial matters. With extensive courtroom experience and negotiation expertise, we protect clients' interests while minimizing emotional distress. Our tax-certified attorneys ensure optimal financial outcomes in property division and support arrangements.
Child Custody
We advocate for clients in child custody and parenting time matters, focusing on children's best interests. Our attorneys handle allocation of decision-making responsibilities, parenting plan development, and modification cases. With deep knowledge of Illinois' best interests standard, we help parents establish fair custody arrangements while protecting their rights through mediation or litigation when necessary.
Mediation Services
As court-certified mediators, we facilitate cooperative divorce settlements while preserving attorney-client relationships. Our process reduces conflict and costs through structured negotiations on property division, child support, and custody issues. We combine legal expertise with financial acumen to create durable agreements that meet both parties' needs while avoiding adversarial courtroom battles.
Child Support
We handle child support calculations, modifications, and enforcement actions under Illinois guidelines. Our tax experts analyze income sources including overtime, bonuses, and business earnings to ensure fair support determinations. We represent clients in establishing appropriate payment amounts while considering parenting time schedules and children's specific needs.
Family Law
Our comprehensive family law practice covers prenuptial agreements, domestic violence cases, adoption, and post-divorce modifications. We represent clients in paternity determinations, grandparent rights matters, and complex financial disputes. Our multidisciplinary approach combines legal, accounting, and counseling resources to address all aspects of family law litigation and negotiation.
People
Michael C. Craven
Partner
With over 30 years of family law experience, Michael C. Craven is a Certified Public Accountant and tax law specialist. A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, he has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer since 2009. His expertise in financial aspects of divorce has made him a trusted advisor for complex asset division cases.
Questions
What should I bring to my initial divorce consultation?
Prepare financial documents including tax returns, bank statements, property valuations, and any existing custody/visitation agreements. Bring questions about your specific concerns regarding asset division, child support, or parenting time arrangements.
How does Illinois handle property division?
Illinois uses equitable distribution principles, considering factors like marriage duration, each spouse's financial situation, and contributions to marital assets when dividing property during divorce proceedings.
What factors determine child custody decisions?
Illinois courts prioritize children's best interests, evaluating parental fitness, living arrangements, school stability, and each parent's ability to cooperate in child-rearing when allocating parental responsibilities.
Can child support agreements be modified?
Yes, significant life changes like job loss, relocation, or medical emergencies can justify modifying child support orders through formal court proceedings demonstrating altered circumstances.
Is mediation required before divorce trials?
While not mandatory, Illinois courts often encourage mediation for financial disputes and child-related issues. Our certified mediators help couples reach agreements that avoid lengthy courtroom battles.
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