Michael C. Craven

Protecting You and Your Family's Best Interests

Parties going through a divorce primarily desire two things: a fresh start for themselves and their children and the protection of their assets. With more than 30 years of experience in family law at my disposal, I work with clients to bring home positive results in divorce proceedings. I work alongside my clients to guide them through the divorce process from start to finish and help them to make the best decisions for their long-term well-being.

Although divorce is an undoubtedly emotional event, it is important to stay calm, focused, and as rational as possible. I help my clients make clear-headed decisions by helping them weigh all of the potential options, so that theycan choose the path that puts them and their families first and protects their rights during and even after divorce.

A Reputation for Specialized Legal Excellence

I have been a lawyer since 1984 and am a Partner at the law firm of Harrison & Held, LLP, a leading Chicago law firm. Our office is located in downtown Chicago and I practice in Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane and Will Counties.

Clients come to me confident that I am bringing to bear my years of experience to fight for them and their best future. My practice is limited to divorce and family law; however, my legal experiences cover a broad range of legal issues, including accounting, tax, estate planning, real estate, and corporate law. I am uniquely qualified to identify and protect my clients from the many legal pitfalls easily overlooked in these related areas. I am also trained in the dispute resolution method of Collaborative Law, which can serve as an alternative to litigation.

Impassioned Negotiator and Courtroom Advocate

Many divorces resolve with negotiated settlements and, as an experienced negotiator, I work hard to achieve the maximum out-of-court settlement for my clients. However, when a divorce proceeds to litigation, I have a proven track record of passionately fighting for my clients in the courtroom.

Highly Experienced to Handle Financially Complex Divorces 

As an attorney and registered CPA with a Master’s Degree in Tax Law, I have both the legal and financial knowledge to handle the complex financial aspects of adivorce, including business valuations, finding assets, understanding corporate structures and protecting clientsfrom unexpected tax consequences.

Notable Distinctions and Honors

During the course of my career, I have been recognized by several leading publications and organizations for my work in family law. I am honored to be a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which requires rigorous written and oral exams before acceptance. I have also received the following commendations:

-- Recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network as being among the top lawyers in Illinois (2009-present).

-- Named an Illinois Super Lawyer (2009-present). Illinois Super Lawyers are “considered among the best in their profession” and “represent the top 5% of the practicing attorneys in Illinois.”

-- Received an AV Preeminent rating under the Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Rating System, which is the system’s highest rating.

--Featured business write-up in Best Lawyers® Illinois 2017

--Interviewed by Jeff Blackman of 22nd Century Media for article "When I do becomes I don't," Glenview Lantern, June 15, 2017

Clear Communication

I take pride in being able to take complex legal concepts and translate them into language that is easy to understand. I maintain open communication with my clients, keeping them informed about all aspects of their cases at every turn.

I have also used my communications skills to speak about family law in numerous settings, such as The Lilac Tree, Chicago Public Library and The Chicago Deparment on Aging. For many years, I taught the class “Divorce-Know Your Rights” at Oakton Community College and The Discovery Center — both in the Chicagoland area.

I am honored that other attorneys and judges recognize my extensive experience. I have spoken on an array of legal topics related to divorce law at Continuing Legal Education Programs around the State of Illinois.  My lectures were sponsored by, among others, the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, North Suburban Bar Association and Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.  I’ve written articles that have been published by the Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Lake County Bar Association. The media has consulted me on family law issues, I have appeared on television and radio. In addition, I write regular columns for and have been quoted in The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, North Shore Magazine and The Daily Herald. In addition, I have volunteered and worked with various Bar Associations to improve the practice of law for both lawyers and the public; and I have held leadership positions in the Illinois State Bar Association, the North Suburban Bar and the AAML.

Let me put my years of experience and the skills developed during the course of my career to work protecting you and your family. I am a fierce contender in the court room, have a calm yet assertive style, exceptional litigation skills and am very dedicated to my clients.