Since 2004 I have had the privilege to assist some extraordinary people in their personal and family matters related to marriage, divorce, children, parents, family wealth and immigration.
During my time in law schools, I worked on projects funded by the Ford Foundation to promote women's rights, social equality, constitutional democracy and rule of law in transitional societies in Asia and Eastern Europe. After working for some renowned international law firms in New York, Beijing, and Hong Kong, I established my own practice in New York City in 2004 and in 2016 I expanded my practice to Michigan, where my family now resides. For over a decade, I have represented clients from over 50 countries. I have litigated and tried high-impact international family law cases in federal and state courts in New York. I am frequently hired by U.S. and foreign law firms to consult or serve as expert in matters involving multinational litigation. I am a recognized expert in international family law, U.S. immigration law and Chinese family law. I have testified as an expert of international law, U.S. law, and Chinese law in various foreign country courts and U.S. courts.
My husband, Dr. Stave Kohtz and I are proud parents of three talented daughters. Our family cares about climate crisis, public education, gun violence, health care justice in rural America and many other social causes. At our free time, we enjoy postmodern and contemporary artwork, cooking, playing musical instruments, sailing and traveling around the world.
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
30 Wall Street, New York, NY, 10005
2625 Denison Drive, Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858
122 Uptown Drive, Suite 204, Bay City, MI, 48708
203 S. Washington Avenue, Saginaw, MI, 48602
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
She was always willing to help, gave us the best advice and responded to our questions as soon as she can. We are very happy with how things went through!
Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney
It was a great experience working with Rong. Her working style is efficient and effective. She understood client's needs and provided solutions to the point in a very short time. Moreover, she's willing to go further to fight for her clients for the best results.
Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
I have consulted with Rong Tao Kohtz a couple of times in the last 4 years. My case involved custody between parents living in different countries and was definitely quite complicated. She thoroughly reviewed the extensive documentation of my case beforehand and provided the best advice I could get. ...
Posted by Tom | March 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Rong helped my long separated SO get a divorce. The issues were complex as she had to deal with dual language issues and one party having a poor understanding of the US legal system. She is knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and fairly priced.
Posted by Richard | March 9, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I hired Ms. Kohtz to review a separation agreement that involves child custody terms regarding China trips. I also hired her to translate the document. She was efficient and has contacts with a Mainland China law firm.
"I endorse this lawyer. Rong is very thorough in her approach towards representing her client and at the same time very professional with her adversary. We dealt with one another on an extremely difficult case yet we were able to work together to get our clients through to a resolution. This took having the requisite knowledge to deal with the issues, an ability to balance the emotions of the case with the more objective aspects, and respect for each other's positions. I strongly endorse Rong in handling custody and all family law matters."
"I endorse Rong Kohtz for her knowledge and professionalism. She is a respected member of the legal community and an attorney who truly cares about her clients."
Family lawyer
2018
Best Judicial Enforcement Provider, New York Law Journal Reader Rankings
2016
Best Judicial Enforcement /ADR (Domestic), New York Law Journal Reader Rankings
2016
Best Judicial Enforcement Provider (International), New York Law Journal Reader Rankings
2015
Empire State Counsel, New York State Bar Association
2013
Best Judicial Enforcement Provider (International), New York Law Journal Reader Rankings
2012
Best Judicial Enforcement Provider (International), New York Law Journal Reader Rankings
2004 - Present
Principal, Law Office of Rong T. Kohtz
2000 - 2003
Associate, Clifford Chance, LLP
2016 - Present
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2008 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Women's Bar Association of the State of New YorkMember
2004 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Prevail. The court ordered the father to return the child to the mother and to pay all legal cost and reasonable travel expenses incurred by the mother for the child's return under the Hague Convention.
Represented the mother. The court denied the father's motion to dismiss, and awarded the mother maintenance, child support and property.
Represented the mother. New York court denied the father's motion to dismiss the action, and ruled Chinese divorce judgment was unenforceable in accordance to the Hague Service Convention. In favor of Plaintiff mother in all aspects
Represented the mother. The father abducted the children. Under the Hauge and Inter-American conventions, the children were returned to the mother. In favor of Applicant mother in all aspects.
2001
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
LL.M - Master of Laws
1998
MA - Masters
1995
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
2014
International Child Custody Jurisdiction Regimes: Hague Convention, Brussels II Regulation and the UCCJEA
2019
2018
2016
2015
2014
2005
2000
English
Mandarin
Spanish
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