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Michael C. Craven

Michael C. Craven

Michael C. Craven, Chicago Divorce Lawyer - Reliable & Assertive
  • Divorce, Family Law
  • Illinois
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Biography

I am a divorce attorney with a very strong financial background as a CPA with a LLM which is a Master of Tax Law degree. I am Partner at the firm Harrison & Held, LLP and our offices in downtown Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. I am consistently recognized as one of the best family lawyers in Illinois by my peers and have been named as an Illinois Super Lawyer and recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network every year since 2009. I am proud to have been selected by my peers for inclusion in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Family Law. 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. According to the Martindale-Hubbell® Lawyer Rating System, I have received the highest rating, which denotes “adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence and other criteria relevant to the discharge of professional responsibilities.” My training in divorce includes traditional, collaborative and mediation divorce. My philosophy is that no two cases and no two clients are alike - “one size does not fit all” so each case is approached differently. I help my clients make smart decisions at very difficult and vulnerable times. I am proud of the excellent reviews that I regularly receive from my clients and am known to combine my passion, compassion and advocacy to obtain winning results in and out of the courtroom.

Practice Areas
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Additional Practice Areas
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Illinois
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US Tax Court
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Partner
Harrison & Held, LLP
- Current
Partner
Beerman Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP
-
Owner
Michael C. Craven, Esq.
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Partner
Craven & Craven
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Education
The UIC John Marshall Law School
LL.M. (1989)
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The UIC John Marshall Law School
J.D. (1984)
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Northern Illinois University
B.S. (1979) | Business, Accounting
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Honors: C.P.A.
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Awards
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in American
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Illinois Super Lawyers
Super Lawyer
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Family Law, Illinois
Best Lawyers in America
Illinois Super Lawyers
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Family Law
Best Lawyers in America
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyer
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Illinois Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
Leading Lawyer in Illinois
Leading Lawyers
Professional Associations
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Social Media/Marketing/Website Co - Chair
- Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Finance/Tax Committee
- Current
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The Lilac Tree
Volunteer Family Law Attorney
- Current
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The Lilac Tree
Volunteer
- Current
Activities: Free Fridays…Ask a Family Lawyer
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Judicial Relations Committee Member
- Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Board of Examiners/Admissions Committee Member
- Current
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Shalva
Annual Luncheon Committee Member
- Current
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JUF/JCLS Community Legal Services
Volunteer
- Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Website/Marketing/Social Media Committee Member
- Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Judicial Relations Co-Chair
-
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The Lilac Tree
Teasurer
-
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The Lilac Tree
Board of Directors
-
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Chair of Budget/Finance Committee
-
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North Suburban Bar Association
Board of Directors
-
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Board of Managers
-
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North Suburban Bar Association
Secretary
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Illinois State Bar Association
Associate Editor of Council Newsletter
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Illinois State Bar Association
Member, Family Law Section Council
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Illinois State Bar Association
Maintenance Guidelines Sub-Committee Member
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Illinois State Bar Association
Co-Chair, Maintenance Guidelines Sub-Committee
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Publications
Articles & Publications
One Year Later: Our Life Working From Home During COVID-19
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
What Attorneys Should Know About Prenuptial Agreements
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Are we in a Zoom Meeting or a ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sketch?
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
How to Spot the Narcissist Holding up Your Case
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Five Soft Skills to Develop to Become an All-Around Legal Expert
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Midyear is a Good Time to Assess Your Marketing Efforts
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Vacations with Kids Can Be Fun, but Divorced Clients Need Advice
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Child Custody Decisions Have Changed with the Times and Society
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
How State Law Changes Affect Your Clients
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Changing Law Changes Lives
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
What to Do When Politics Affect Divorce
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Get social, get online, get out there
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
When a Spouse’s Personality Changes Make Divorce a Necessity
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Marketing to Millennials: How to Bridge the Generational Gap
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
How Are Employer Benefits and Other Unique Assets Divided in a Divorce Case?
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
One-time Clients Could be Avenue to Developing New Business
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Divorce Attorneys Should be Aware of the Many Ins, Outs of Real Estate Law
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Difficult Clients: How to Turn Around an Unhappy Relationship
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Divorce Practice Requires an Attorney to Become a Jack-of-all-Trades
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Communicating With Clients: Know Who Your Audience Is
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Six Tech Trends to Know Heading Into the New Year
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Workplace Fashion’s Gone Casual – Should Lawyers Be Joining The Trend?
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
The Joke’s On Us: But is it Accurate?
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
The Price of a Vacation for a Lawyer
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Client Intake Process is Critical to Your Growth
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Four Tips for Success in Legal Marketing
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
In This Business, Your Reputation is Everything
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"Updates to Illinois’ IMDMA"
Attorney at Law Magazine
"Are Lawyers Really All That Miserable?"
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"The Formula for Success: One Size Doesn’t Fit All"
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"Growing Older, Staying Relevant in the Profession"
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"In a Crowded Field, How do you Stand Out"
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
“Volunteering is Great for You and Your Practice” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Economic Issues and Other Concerns Impacting Illinois Family Law Attorneys and Their Clients
Thomson Reuters
“One Marketing Plan Does Not Fit All Lawyers” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
“Marketing is a Journey, But a Rewarding One” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
"How will this (cheating) affect my divorce case?"
Divorce Magazine
"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
Corporations can pay child support too
Illinois State Bar Association - The Corporate Lawyer, Vol. 45, No. 12
"The Spousal Remainder Trust - A Modern Income Shifting Device,
Chicago Bar Association - YLS Journal, Vol. 15, No. 1
Speaking Engagements
Interactive Divorce Education, Support & Empowerment, 40th Divorce University, Virtual Event
The Lilac Tree
Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements Workshop, Chicago, IL
IICLE
Divorce University - Divorce Math II - How (and When) to Find HIDDEN Assets & Debts
The Lilac Tree
Alternative Dispute and Settlement Agreements
myLawCLE
An Estate Planners' & Trusted Financial Advisors' Guide to Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements, Chicago Financial Planning Group
Chicago Financial Planning Group
Tensions on the Rise: Communication During COVID-19, Co-Present
Bridge2Horizon
Working Clients in the Legal System
Bridge2Horizon
Interview: Divorce Rates May Increase Due to COVID-19
CBS News Chicago
Interview: What Happens to COVID-19 Stimulus Checks Issued to Couples Who Filed Joint Tax Returns But Are Now Divorced?
CBS News Chicago
Working Clients in the Legal System, Bridge2Horizon
Bridge2Horizon
Financial Attorney Table Ambassador, Divorce University
The Lilac Tree
Summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Presenter
CCGL Group
Divorce University Moderator & Ambassador, Divorce University, Evanston, IL
The Lilac Tree
Planning for...When Happily Ever After Ends Sooner Than Expected, Greater North Shore Estate & Financial Planning Council
Greater North Shore Estate & Financial Planning Council
Divorce Math - Assets, Liabilities and Your Budget, Evanston Public Library
The New Divorce Act – What Do I Really Need to Know?, Panel Discussion
North Suburban Bar Association
Divorce University Moderator, The Lilac Tree, Evanston, IL
The Lilac Tree
The Legal Aspects of Medical Marijuana
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
The Legal Aspects of Medical Marijuana
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Certifications
Certified Mediator
Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois, Domestic Relations Division
Collaborative Law
Basic Interdisciplinary Collaborative Training
Websites & Blogs
Website
Divorce Lawyer Chicago Blog
Videos
Chicago Divorce Attorney Michael C. Craven talks about the uses of divorce depositions, the process of providing a deposition for your divorce case, and the key rules for giving the... Divorce Lawyer Chicago - What you should know about Depositions.

Chicago Divorce Attorney Michael C. Craven talks about the uses of divorce depositions, the process of providing a deposition for your divorce case, and the key rules for giving the...

Divorce Attorney Michael C Craven talks about how Divorce in Chicago works and the various processes involved.

For more divorce help visit http://www.divorcelawyerschicago.org and contact Michael today for a Free Case... Divorce Lawyer Chicago - Processes of Divorce

Divorce Attorney Michael C Craven talks about how Divorce in Chicago works and the various processes involved. For more divorce help visit http://www.divorcelawyerschicago.org and contact Michael today for a Free Case...

Looking for a Divorce Lawyer? Chicago Divorce Attorney & Family Lawyer, Michael Craven, a prominent and experienced lawyer, discusses divorce law. He works to protect your rights, your children, and... Michael Craven - Family and Divorce Attorney Chicago, IL

Looking for a Divorce Lawyer? Chicago Divorce Attorney & Family Lawyer, Michael Craven, a prominent and experienced lawyer, discusses divorce law. He works to protect your rights, your children, and...

Should you be the first to file for Divorce? Chicago Divorce Lawyer Michael C. Craven can help you Understand the complexities of filing for divorce in Chicago. 

For more information... Divorce Attormey Chicago - Are there advantages to Filing First?

Should you be the first to file for Divorce? Chicago Divorce Lawyer Michael C. Craven can help you Understand the complexities of filing for divorce in Chicago. For more information...

Chicago Divorce Attorney Michael C. Craven discusses the two most common questions he is asked by new clients. How Much is my Divorce going to cost? How long will the... Common New Client Questions - Divorce Lawyer Chicago

Chicago Divorce Attorney Michael C. Craven discusses the two most common questions he is asked by new clients. How Much is my Divorce going to cost? How long will the...

Chicago Divorce Lawyer Michael Craven talks about the benefits of settling your Divorce case. For More information  or a Free case evaluation please visit http://www.divorcelawyerschicago.org/ Divorce Lawyer Chicago - Should you settle your Divorce case?

Chicago Divorce Lawyer Michael Craven talks about the benefits of settling your Divorce case. For More information or a Free case evaluation please visit http://www.divorcelawyerschicago.org/

Ending a marriage later in life can be complicated. This trend of older divorces has been named Gray Divorce. Many couples aren't prepared for the legal issues and financial implications... Divorce Lawyer Michael Craven Discusses Divorce in Later Life, The Gray Divorce Trend.

Ending a marriage later in life can be complicated. This trend of older divorces has been named Gray Divorce. Many couples aren't prepared for the legal issues and financial implications...

Finding Hidden Assets with Guest, Michael Craven, JD, CPA, Partner, Harrison & Held LLP and Host, Hirsch Serman on the Financial Wellness Hour. WGSN-DB Going Solo Network, Radio, TV &... Finding Hidden Assets with Guest, Michael Craven, JD, CPA

Finding Hidden Assets with Guest, Michael Craven, JD, CPA, Partner, Harrison & Held LLP and Host, Hirsch Serman on the Financial Wellness Hour. WGSN-DB Going Solo Network, Radio, TV &...

Contact & Map
Harrison & Held, LLP
333 W. Wacker Drive
Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
Telephone: (312) 621-5234
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