James W. Kraayeveld

I have been practicing family law for 28 years. It is my goal to provide each client with individual attention because each client and each case is different, and I enjoy the personal interaction with a client and working towards successful completion of each case to the benefit of each family.

I have seen a need to specialize in parental alienation cases which has led to an overall greater experience in child custody cases.

Secondly, I have specialized in complex divorce matters involving significant assets, business assets, determining complex income issues of executives, self employed, or those in the military for child and spousal support purposes.

• Child Custody Disputes

• Free Consultation
  Up to first hour of consultation is free.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

Michigan

State Bar of Michigan

Since 1993

Attorney

Kraayeveld Law Offices, P.C.

1993 - Current

Leadman

LDC Construction, Inc.

1982 - 1990

Valparaiso University School of Law

J.D. (1993)

1990 - 1993

Calvin College

B.A. (1990) | Political Science; Dutch

1986 - 1990

Distinquished Award

Martindale Hubbell

2020

Distinquished Award

Martindale Hubbell

2019

BV Rated

Martindale-Hubbell

BV Rated (2011, 2012)

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2000 - Current

Grand Rapids Bar Association

1994 - Current

State Bar of Michigan  # P48875

Member

1993 - Current

Kent County Friend of the Court Advisory Committee

Board Member; Vice Chair

2014 - 2016

Low Costs Paternity Tests

MLive

March 27, 2008

Nota Bene

Issues in Law and Medicine

1991

Family Law, Grand Rapids

January 1, 2007

Legal Aid Clinic

Family Law, Grand Rapids

January 1, 2009

Legal Aid Clinic

Child Support, Grand Rapids

January 1, 2008

Legal Aid Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions, Grand Rapids

January 1, 2004

Ask the Lawyer

Q. Arbitration and modification of child support

March 18, 2024

A: Have you had a local attorney do a case review for you? Your notes do not provide sufficient information for me to assess why you are still stuck dealing with the arbitrator? On the one hand, it seems that you received a final custody order, and that often ends the order to arbitrate; on the other hand, if you still don't have a final custody order, a competent child custody attorney can assess whether it's wise to push this matter to a final custody order with the the arbitrator and get this wrapped up - hopefully with a beneficial custody order that provides you with more parenting time. If you are in the West Michigan area, give me a call and we can see what we can do for you! Best of luck! ... Read More

Q. Should I wait to file motion for full custody?

February 17, 2022

A: Let's explore this in a most cost effective way first: have you checked with your ex if he is willing to agree to an alternate custody order? Keep in mind that your latest court order likely requires him to seek court permission before moving out of state. That may give you some bargaining power to get an amended custody order. Although you should hire an attorney to have the amended custody order drafted, an agreed upon order will save you a lot of money compared to filing a motion for change of custody. Good luck!