Michael C. Craven’s Reviews

Michael was very smart and thought of things that I did not think of during the divorce process. My kids are young, so I didn't think about payment of certain things when they are older and he brought up issues saving me a lot of money currently and down the line. He was knowledgeable in many areas and brought up points that neither me, my (x) husband or other attorney thought to bring up.

In a crisis, Michael was available, reassuring, proactive and professional. Michael was able to hear my needs/issues, explain the process, and provide a understandable plan of action. It was so nice to be able to reach him by phone and email.

Michael is a very knowledgeable attorney. My only complaint, which is a big one, is that he was not very available to me and was not responsive. Even in critical situations I could only get a hold of him one time per week in the best case and sometimes some times not even that frequently.

While he is a good attorney, I won't use him again or recommend him.

Divorce is never an easy situation, no matter how amicable. For me, it raised so many concerns -- about my kids, finances, quality of life, etc.-- largely overwhelming. For my benefit, I quickly got connected with Michael, and I can't imagine there's a better, more thorough, confident, and empathetic lawyer out there. From the first time I met with him, I felt an enormous sense of confidence -- confident that he would look out for my best interests, confident that he would "talk me off the ledge" when things got tough (which they do, no matter how amicable), and confident that he would work through the process quickly and efficiently. While my case wasn't a multi million dollar divorce, he always made me feel like I was as important as anybody else. He remembered facts and details from my case that most would have forgotten. He was compelling and forcefull with the OA when he needed to be, yet diplomatic so as to de-escalate issues when they arose. He was a master at the written law yet creative in finding solutions when it appeared we were at an impase. And he was on-task and fast-paced, yet emphatetic in those times when I needed it the most. My situation was so emotional at times, and yet every time I talked to Michael, it immediately disarmed me. I just knew that everything would be fine, and that everything would work out. He had a perspective and a context that constantly reassured me, calmed me, and decreased the enormous anxiety I was feeling. I would highly recommend Michael as your representation ... and while I surely hope to not be in this position again, I would re-hire him in a heartbeat.

My daughter had moved to Minnesota and needed to immediately find an Illinois Family Law attorney. Living in one state, while divorce and custody papers were being filed in another, created extreme anxiety for everyone in the family. My daughter's decision to retain Michael as her attorney was reaffirmed during our first meeting at his office. Michael provided helpful advice in describing the expectations and consequences that could accompany my daughter's court experiences. He answered my various concerns with calm and candor. After discovering the ever changing time demands on lawyers/judges, it's a real bonus that Michael's office is within two blocks of the court hosting Daley Center. It was our good fortune that Michael Craven was the 'out of state' attorney my daughter found to represent herself and the children in Illinois.

My Dad and I were so pleased with Mr. Craven's help. We could not have asked for a better representative!!

Michael was recommended to me from friends in the Family Law business. He was always professional, demonstrated his field expertise, and dealt with my ex-husband and his evasive lawyer tactfully and directly. Michael was always sensitive to my questions and concerns and took into account my financial situation and desire to complete this divorce speedily. He was honest in making me aware which topics were worth fighting for and which topics were petty in the grand scheme. Michael always responded to my emails and phone calls in a timely manner, and his secretary and office staff was pleasant and easy to talk to. I live approximately 30 minutes from the office and Michael was able to complete most of the transactions by fax, email, or phone call. I was always informed when he would be away from the office, and was also informed the day that I was in court as to the proceedings and what would be expected of me. I highly recommend Michael in the manner of divorce as he made this very difficult time in my life more expeditious, classy, and graceful.

In July of 2010, my now ex-wife took my son to another state with the intent of never bringing him back to our home. Livid, I searched for a lawyer who would help me get him back. I found many who seemed more interested in money than getting my son.
Lost confused and upset, I sought advice from my church and one of the members recommended Michael Craven.

Our initial conversation was open and frank in that he told me upfront the cost. When I asked him what was I to expect, he told me "I’m going to get your son back home". That was all she wrote.

Over the next several months, I worked with Michael and his team as they directed.
In short and as a result in the end, my son was taken in July and returned in February

Michael Craven has surrounded himself with a team of professionals who are sensitive to the situation and who understand the complexities involved. They are wiling to listen and guide, to help rationalize and calm rather than incite and escalate. They are tactical and strategic in their approach and KNOW what and what not to do.

Michael Craven and his team are in a word, “BRILLIANT”.

I would HIGHLY recommend this attorney above ALL others to deal with complex matters of family law..

From the bottom of my heart, Thank you Michael Craven and Team, my son and I wish you the very best.

Mr. Craven certainly changed my perspective of lawyers. I originally thought lawyers were out to take you for all you got. This was certainly not the case when I hired Mr. Craven. Unlike most divorces, I was able to come to an agreement with my now ex-wife, so I had an uncontested case. Mr. Craven's expertise helped me through the court process efficiently and quickly.

I was referred to Michael by another attorney. Michael spent a good deal of time with me discussing my issues and options prior to moving forward. He is extremely competent, gets to the heart of the issues and made the experience as pleasant as possible. Not only will he be highly recommended by me in the future, my ex on the other side was impressed and will also be passing his name along.

Mr Craven was the third Attorney I met with prior to filing for divorce. The first two did not impress me at all and I did not have a very good interaction with either. After searching the web and reading about Michael I scheduled an interview. He impressed me instantly, he is considerate, I felt comfortable discussing my situation with him, which was difficult for me. At 40 years old I went from a healthy working professional to a non working disabled wife and mother. I knew early on that the change in my health would affect my marriage, and obviously it did.
What I can say about Michael is that he worked hard for me, he was always available, he left no stone unturned that involved my case. He was thorough in the documentation and made me part of the decision making with explanations of the wording and how it pertained to me. I feel so lucky that he represented me and proud as well because my now ex-husband feared him and even stated that I had a darn good Lawyer. Let me also say that Michael is down to earth, has a sense of humor, a great guy.
The outcome of my divorce ? I got exactly what I wanted thanks to Michael and i'm moving on, Happy and healthier.

I'm a lawyer and I have known and trusted Michael Craven with my important legal work for close to 30 years.

Too often lawyers fail to return phone calls, don't know what's going on with your file, are happy to see you when you have a check for them, but couldn't give you the time of day when it comes to following up. Well, that's not my experience with Michael Craven.

Whether you have a simple or complex matter, you want (and deserve) someone who will treat that matter as if it were their own. I am confident you will find Michael Craven to be such a lawyer.

It is my privilege to highly recommend him to you. In my view, you would be hard pressed to find better.

Michael provided me excellent counseling and advice in relation to all aspects of my divorce. Michael's wealth of knowledge and skills in this area assisted me in obtaining a very favorable outcome.

I give my Michael a "huge thumbs up" and also give a strong recommendation to anyone seeking legal assistance relative to divorce or any other family law matters.

Michael was very helpful during a previous divorce including child custody issues. He was very meticulous with his planning leading up to the court appearance. I felt well prepared leading up to the court appearance which put me more at ease than I thought I would be. I could not have asked for a more amicable and favorable outcome.

Michael was also able to help out with child support issues and was instrumental in arriving at an excellent compromise between the people involved.

I would not hesitate to recommend Michael for any family law issues that you may have.

Michael has handled numerous legal matters for me including real estate and personal liability. His knowledge and attention to detail were superb. Also, he was very accessible and related well to my situation. I would use him again and definitely recommend him, which I have done, since he is superbly gifted at all levels.

My experience using Michael Craven as an attorney has been excellent. Any time I've had a problem, I've been able to pick up the phone, contact Mike, and he has "been there" for me. Some of the things Mike Craven helped me survive include: divorce, multiple "Orders of Protection", child custody, child support, and writing a will. Michael Craven is competent, courteous, and supportive as you go through your darkest hours. I highly recommend him when you need an attorney, and don't know who to trust. He will be on your side, and fight for your best interest.

I send my closest friends and clients to Mr. Craven. When the legal issue has to be done right and done quickly, Mike Craven is the one to go to. No one in Illinois can do the job better. Mike always makes me look like a great guy because he treats all my referrals with attention and kindness. My friends call me and say "thanks" for directing us to Michael Craven.