Attorney Profile

James W. Kraayeveld 
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sole Practitioner, since 1993
phone (616) 285-0808
fax (616) 285-0909
email Email Me

Jim is married to Corinne; He has four children, Erik, age 16, Maria, age 14, Pieter, age 12, and Annelies, age 7.

Jim has been an attorney for thirteen 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
Litigation Percentage:
95% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Certification/Specialties:
Certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney, 2009


Certified Family Law Mediator, 2005


Michigan Residential Builder License, 1990


Michigan Real Estate Broker License, 2000


Case Evaluator, Kent County, 2004


Bar Admissions:
Michigan, 1993
U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 1993
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


Published Works:
Nota Bene, 7 Issues in L. & Med. 359, 1991


Classes/Seminars Taught:
Family Law Presenter, West Michigan Christian Legal Aid Clinic, Mel Trotter Ministries, 2007 - 2008


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


Grand Rapids Bar Association, Solo Practitioners Section, 1999 - Present
Founding Member


Grand Rapids Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2000 - Present
Member


Grand Rapids Bar Association, 1998 - Present
Law Day Chair


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
Tell Us About Your Case Call 616-285-0808 Or E-Mail Us Below

NOTE: Labels in bold are required.

Contact Information
  1. disclaimer.
Message From Jim
Carriage House History

300 State Street Southeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4313
Phone: 616-285-0808
Fax: 616-285-0909
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