About James W.
James W. Kraayeveld combined a liberal arts education and three years of law school before starting his own practice. He earned a B.A. from Calvin College in 1990, studying political science and Dutch. He received his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1993.
Kraayeveld’s early work included hands-on construction experience. In 1982 he worked as a leadman for LDC Construction, Inc. That practical background preceded his shift into the law. In 1993 he began practicing through Kraayeveld Law Offices, P.C., the firm that has carried his name for decades.
He has been active in the local legal community for many years. Kraayeveld joined the Grand Rapids Bar Association in 1994, and he later became a member of its Family Law Section in 2000. From 2014 to 2016 he served on the Kent County Friend of the Court Advisory Committee, including a term as vice chair. Those roles gave him direct exposure to the county-level systems that handle family law matters.
Kraayeveld’s professional path shows a steady local presence. He has kept his practice based in Michigan and remained involved with the Grand Rapids Bar Association on an ongoing basis. The combination of advisory work and bar membership suggests sustained engagement with the procedural and policy issues that affect family law litigants and practitioners in the region.
Colleagues and clients have known him for a long-standing role in the community rather than for headline cases or public office. His career reflects continuity: an education that moved from Calvin College to Valparaiso Law, a first job outside the law, and then a long-term private practice in his home state. He has also contributed to the administrative side of family law through committee service at the county level.
Kraayeveld continues to operate Kraayeveld Law Offices, P.C., serving clients in Michigan. He currently focuses his practice on family law matters and related legal issues in the state.
