Michael J. Bratta is a dedicated attorney at Gravel & Wechter, P.C., with a broad range of experience in both legal and corporate settings. Before joining the firm, he worked as an attorney at Swanson & Desai in Chicago. There, he practiced Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In addition to his bankruptcy practice, Michael has extensive experience handling criminal and civil matters.
Before his legal career, Michael held leadership roles in the staffing and recruiting industry. His diverse background enables him to approach legal challenges with a well-rounded perspective. He applies this experience to create effective strategies for his clients, whether in litigation or negotiation.
Education and Bar Admissions
Michael earned his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University Law School in 2014. Before law school, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in History at Lake Forest College in 2010.
In 2015, Michael was admitted to the Illinois State Bar and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. These admissions allow him to practice law in both state and federal courts. He is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, where he stays engaged with the latest legal developments and professional opportunities.
Practice Areas
Michael handles cases in a wide range of practice areas and is deeply committed to helping clients through their personal and family-related legal challenges. His experience and dedication to finding practical solutions for his clients set him apart in his practice. Below are Michael’s key practice areas:
- Family Law: Michael assists clients with various family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support.
- Divorce: Michael works with clients through every step of the divorce process, aiming to secure fair settlements and address important issues like asset division.
- Child Custody (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities): Michael helps clients reach practical custody agreements focusing on their children’s best interests.
- Military Divorce: Michael understands the unique challenges of military divorces and guides clients through the challenges inherent to these specific situations.
- Same-Sex Divorce: Michael provides guidance for same-sex couples filing for divorce.
- Paternity/Parentage: Michael assists clients in establishing and challenging paternity to protect their parental rights.
- Alimony/Maintenance: Michael helps divorcing couples secure fair alimony arrangements based on their financial needs and situations.
Professional Approach
Michael brings a hands-on, client-centered approach to his legal practice. He works closely with clients to understand their legal concerns and crafts personalized strategies accordingly.
Michael prioritizes clear communication in every case he handles. He keeps clients informed about their options and case progress so they feel consistently supported and involved. Michael is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients, whether through litigation or alternative dispute resolution, and providing strong advocacy every step of the way.