James W. Kraayeveld

James W. Kraayeveld

4.4
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 32 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Alimony, Military Law

990 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Child Custody 40%

This is a significant portion of our practice (as individual custody case or as part of a divorce). I have successfully represented clients in parental alienation custody matters.

33 years

40%
Divorce and Separation 40%

I have successfully assisted clients through this process pursuant to their wishes - be it mediation or aggressive representation.

33 years

40%
Alimony 10%

The issue of alimony or spousal support is a component of many divorces, and thus, my experience with alimony or spousal support is significant.

33 years

10%
Military Law 10%

I represent many many service members and spouses in divorce and child custody cases and am experienced dealing with their particular problems.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 32 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1993

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Kraayeveld Law Offices PC

990 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

James W. Kraayeveld's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (14) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 6 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Scott | October 07, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

The guy who can get the job done.

I've known Jim Kraayeveld for many years and he has always been to the point, honest, and compassionate. Always a pleasure to speak with and he really knows what he is doing in the courtroom too. Jim has continued to support my case throughout years of frivolous litigation by my ex wife.

See All Client Reviews

James W. Kraayeveld's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Kendra Joanne Ortega headshot
Kendra Ortega

Family lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Jim cares about his clients. He is an exceptional family law attorney."

Homer Perry Jordan IV headshot
Homer Jordan

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Thomas Berry headshot
Matthew Berry

Family lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jim is a true professional. He is respectful and dignified, and when it comes to legal representation, he is a strong, efficient advocate who truly cares about his clients and providing the best representation that they deserve."

Brenda E. Sprader headshot
Brenda Sprader

Child custody lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert F. Mirque Jr. headshot
Robert Mirque

Family lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I known Jim Kraayeveld for many years and I believe him to be a great attorney. He works hard for his clients and is extremely knowledgeable of the law and the courts. I would not hesitate to recommend him to one of my family or friends."

Robert Werner von Dohlen headshot
Robert von Dohlen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great Family Law advocate!"

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Alimony lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Other

"This lawyer provides excellent services to clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Anne E. Bachle Fifer headshot
Anne Fifer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim is thorough, knowledgeable and compassionate. His command of the law is impressive. I regularly refer people to him because I know he'll do an exceptional job for them."

Howard G. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Howard Van Den Heuvel

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is an aggressive lawyer who will keep the other side on their toes and running.He gets it done."

Richard T. Geisel headshot
Richard Geisel

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jim as a friend and fellow attorney for the better part of twenty years, and in that time I have had the opportunity to refer several clients to him because of his expertise in Family Law matters. I like the fact that Jim can be compassionate towards his clients, but also aggressively and tenaciously advocate for them in a court of law. That’s a terrific combination! I have never had anyone tell me they were disappointed in Jim’s services. To the contrary, I have talked to many individuals over the years who were very pleased with the results obtained. I recommend Jim enthusiastically and without reservation!"

Richard J. Lobbes headshot
Richard Lobbes

Family lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is passionate about his clients and providing the best possible representation. He is honest about expectations and keeps his clients informed at every step. He is aggressive and smart."

View All Endorsements
Courtney Marie Sierra headshot
Courtney Sierra

Child custody lawyer

Matthew Francis Burns headshot
Matthew Burns

Family lawyer

Robert F. Mirque Jr. headshot
Robert Mirque

Immigration lawyer

Howard G. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Howard Van Den Heuvel

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Distinguished, Martindale Hubbell

2016

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

BV rating, Martindale Hubbell

2011

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1993 - Present

Owner, Kraayeveld Law Offices, P.C.

Associations

2014 - Present

Kent County Friend of the Court Advisory Committee

Vice Chair

2000 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

1999 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Solo and Small Firms Section

Member

1994 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Member

1993 - Present

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section

Member

2009 - 2012

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2005 - 2011

Michigan Council for Family and Divorce Mediation

Member

2003 - 2007

Ada Township

Member - Board of Review

2001 - 2007

Mel Trotter Pro Bono Legal Services

Founding Member

1996 - 1997

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Treasurer

1994 - 1999

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Van Malsen v Van Malsen

Defendant prevailed.

Mork v Mork

Defendant prevailed on that issue.

Roodvoets v Royce

Prevailed on appeal.

Vliet v Cogswell

Appellant prevailed and matter reversed.

Swainston v Royce

Respondent prevailed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Valparaiso University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Calvin College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2009

Legal Aid Clinic

Family law

2008

Legal Aid Clinic

Child Support

2007

Legal Aid Clinic

Family Law

2004

Ask the Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Publications

2008

1991

Issues in Law and Medicine Nota Bene

Languages

English

Dutch

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution