James W. Kraayeveld Grand Rapids, Michigan
| Sole Practitioner, since
1993 | |
| phone | (616) 285-0808 |
| fax | (616) 285-0909 |
| Email Me | |
Jim is married to Corinne; has four children, Erik, age 17, Maria, age 15, Pieter, age 13, and Annelies, age 9.
Jim has been an attorney for seventeen years. Even though Jim has been involved in many activities to benefit his community, Jim's primary focus is on helping his clients.
For Jim, his relationship with his clients is very important. It should be for the client as well. If you don't feel comfortable with your attorney, he or she may not be right for you.
Jim's practice is focused on litigation. Jim is a counselor at law - he listens; he's an attorney - he advocates on your behalf. It's that simple.
- Areas of Practice:
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Parenting Time / Visitation
- Child Support
- Alimony / Spousal Support
- Appeals
- Separate Maintenance
- Premarital Agreements
- Family Law Mediation
- Certification/Specialties:
- Certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney, 2009 - Present
- Certified Family Law Mediator, 2005 - Present
- Michigan Residential Builder License, 1990 - 2010
- Michigan Real Estate Broker License, 2000 - Present
- Case Evaluator, 2004 - Present, Kent County
- Education:
- Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana,
May, 1993
J.D.
Honors: Teaching Assistant, Legal Research and Writing (1991 -1993)
Honors: Research Assistant, Professor Ruth Vance (1992) - Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan,
May, 1990
B.A.
Major: Dutch
Major: Political Science - Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
1988
Fall Semester Abroad
- Classes/Seminars Taught:
- Family Law Presenter, West Michigan Christian Legal Aid Clinic, Mel Trotter Ministries, 2007 - 2009
- Professional Associations and Memberships:
- Michigan Bar Association, Family Law Section, 1993 - Present
- Member
- Michigan Council for Family and Divorce Mediation, 2005 - Present
- Member
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, 1994 - Present
- Member
- Law Day Chair
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Solo Practitioners Section, 1999 - Present
- Founding Member
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2000 - Present
- Member
- Ask The Lawyer Panelist, 2000 - 2004
- Public Television and GRBA Joint Effort
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1994 - 1999
- Board Member
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1996 - 1997
- Treasurer
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, 2009 - Present
- Member
- Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan, 2009 - Present
- Member
- Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan, 2009 - Present
- Member
- West Michigan Christian Legal Aid Clinic, 2001 - 2007
- Founding Member
- State Bar of Michigan, 1998 - Present
- Member, Family Law Section
- Pro Bono Activities:
- Member, Christian Legal Society, 1994 - Present
- Elder, Grace United Reformed Church, 2007 - 2009
- Member, Kentwood Jaycees, 2000 - 2002
- Board Member, Kentwood Jaycees, 2001
- Board of Review Member, Ada Township, 2003 - 2007
- Coach and Referee, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), 1999 - 2003
- Referee, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), 2009 - Present
- Mock Trial Judge, Center for Civic Education Through Law, 1998 - 2006
- Languages:
- Dutch























