Licensed for 33 years

State MI

Acquired 1989

Status
Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Thomas C. Kates

Divorce and separation Attorney at Holland, MI

About
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Honest, Affordable, Trusted.

Tom has been a trusted colleague for years. I personally have been helped by his prompt and thorough responses to thorny legal issues that I have encountered in my professional role and personal life. I have referred dozens of clients to him specifically for help in the area of family law and estate planning. It has been my experience that Tom treats every client and case as if it were his own. He is a sympathetic, honest, and professional man who comprehensively knows the legal system, and has nearly a quarter century of practical hands on experience. I trust him so much that I have and continue to refer my own family and friends to him when needed. You will not be given poor advice from Mr. Kates. He raises the bar in the profession of practicing law by his integrity, character, and kindness.

Integrity

Finding myself in a situation requiring legal counsel, I had only one criteria in selecting an attorney...integrity, and my referral inquiries led me to Thomas C Kates. Tom is an exceptional attorney that helped me navigate my way through a very difficult and emotionally charged circumstance. Tom was very knowledgeable of the legal system, intentional in his approach, yet attentive to my requests and directive. Tom articulated well in the courtroom, and his presentation and timing were impeccable. A class act in a hostile enviroment. Thomas C Kates was more than just an "advocate" for his client, he is an attorney with integrity.

About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Divorce and separation

40%

For the past ten years I have concentrated my practice almost exclusively on family law including divorce, custody, support and property division.

33 years, 250 cases
Child custody

20%

33 years, 100 cases
Family

20%

33 years, 100 cases
Mediation

20%

18 years, 80 cases

MY 30 PLUS YEARS EXPERIENCE WILL GIVE YOU THE EDGE IN YOUR DIVORCE OR CUSTODY TRIAL. CALL TODAY.

I have been practicing law in West Michigan for over 30 years. Of this, approximately fifteen years has been devoted primarily to divorce, custody and other vitally important family law areas of practice. Prior to specializing in family law, I worked in general civil litigation. I have first chair trial experience in the areas of construction design and defect litigation, automobile no-fault and property litigation. Since 2007 my practice has been devoted almost exclusively to family law and I have handled hundreds of divorces and custody cases in Ottawa, Kent, Allegan, Muskegon, Oceana and Mason Counties.

I am certified as a domestic mediator and have taught advanced mediation and domestic law workshops.

Awards

Client's Choice

2014

Photos and videos

Contact Thomas

Thomas C. Kates PLLC

(616) 228-1275 Office

(866) 212-5601 Fax

36 West Eighth Street

Suite 200

Holland, MI, 49423

attorneykates.com

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

8 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Matt | February 7, 2014

Honest, Affordable, Trusted.

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Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2014

Integrity

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Posted by William | December 15, 2018

Divorce and Counseling

Thomas C. Kates was my attorney for a difficult divorce in Michigan. He also provided counseling regarding personal and financial recovery. Kates' experience is very extensive; he even has written the book on divorce in Michigan. His instinct was to reduce conflict and reach a settlement, but he did push back when necessary to ensure a reasonable fair outcome. I would recommend him unless your goal is escalate conflict and increase your legal costs.

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Posted by Dave | December 11, 2018

Gray Divorce

Tom did an exceptional job with my situation. After over 30 years of marriage we had a lot of strings to untie, pensions, 401K's, businesses, etc. The first law firm I interviewed declined. Tom did an excellent job navigating the issues. He's compassionate, level headed, and efficient. He did a great job working with my wife's counsel and successfully avoided unnecessary detours in the process. I recommend Tom highly.

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Posted by Kate | December 11, 2018

Help with dog contract

When I contacted Thomas Kates to help me with a contract conflict I was so upset I couldn't speak. He took the time to settle me down and listen to my issue. He assured me he could help. At our meeting he reviewed the paper work I provided and the text messages. Given this information he drafted a letter to the other party and the issue was quickly resolved in my favor.

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Posted by norma | March 25, 2014

I would use him again

I used Mr. Kates for my divorce to help me understand the legal documents I was receiving from my ex. He explained when I had questions and made sure I understood. He promised not to do anything I was not comfortable with and told me anytime I was not happy with his services I could fire him. He also made sure my ex new he was looking out for my interest and not his beacuse I was his client. I highly recommend him.

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Posted by Andy | March 11, 2014

Tom is an honest and very helpful person

Thomas is helpful and honest. He helped me through a divorce which is I'm sure can always be uncomfortable for a client. His demeanor, ability to be calm and non aggressive attitude was a real plus for me. I don't believe that he ever muttered an inflammatory comment or made any derogatory statements through out the whole thing.

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Posted by Richard | March 3, 2014

My review of Thomas Kates: He is extremely competent, professional, and fair.

Tom has been our family attorney for nearly 25 years. He handled a significant personal injury claim for us and obtained a favorable out of court settlement. He has been our trusted advisor on matters involving a family trust, estate planning and family law issues. He has a wealth of knowledge in litigation and family law. He is trustworthy, and his fees are fair and reasonable. I highly recommend him. Richard, a litigation client 1989-2014

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Cost

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AVVO RATING 9.5 (Superb)

Work Experience

Founding Attorney
Thomas C. Kates PLLC
2007 - Present

Attorney
Hackney Grover Hoover and Bean
2006 - 2007

Attorney
Bigler Berry Johnston Sztykiel and Hunt
2002 - 2006

Managing Partner
Wilson and Kates, P.C.
1998 - 2002

Attorney--shareholder
Smith Haughey Rice and Roegge
1989 - 1997

View all work experience

Education

Mediation Training Consultation Institute
Certificate in Domestic Mediation
2014

Mediation Training Consultation Institute
Certificate, Domestic Violence Screening
2014

Wayne State University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1989

Central Michigan University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1983

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Legal Cases

Gonzales v. Gonzales
custody awarded to attorney Kates' client

Powery v. Wells 278 Mich App 526

Travelers Indemnity v Kent Companies
no cause for action

View all legal cases

Associations

Mediation Services
Mediation Education Committee
2015 - Present

Holland Solo Bar Association
Founder
2014 - Present

Ottawa County Circuit Court, Family Division
Domestic Mediation Panel
2014 - Present

Allegan County Circuit Court
Case Evaluator
2008 - Present

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section
Member
2007 - Present

Kent County Circuit Court
Case Evaluator
2007 - Present

Case Evaluation Panel, Ottawa County
Case Evaluator
2005 - Present

Mason-Lake Bar Assn
Past President
1998 - 2000

Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
Member
1994 - 1998

Wayne Law Review
Assistant Editor
1988 - 1989

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

BV Distinguished Rated
Martindale Hubbell
2016

Best Appellate Brief Award
Wayne State University Law School
1989

American Jurisprudence Book Award Adv Legal Writing
Wayne State University
1989

Publications

Amazon
The Michigan Divorce and Child Custody Handbook
2016

Michigan Bar Journal Online
"Holding Court At Sunrise"
2012

Wayne Law Review
Publisher Liability for "Gun for Hire" Advertisements
1989

Speaking Engagements

The Domestic Mediator's Toolbox
Domestic Mediation
2015

Talk of the Town Radio Show
New Trends in Mediation
2014

Winning At Home In Service
Mediation for Counseling Professionals
2014

Wellness Staff In Service Training
Family Law Issues for Counseling Professionals
2012

the Peacemaker course
Alternative Dispute Resolution
2008

Nurse Education In Service
Anatomy of a Lawsuit
2001

Continuing Medical Education
Emergency Treatment and Active Labor Act Update
1996

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Attorney endorsements

Received (9)

Given (16)

Endorse Thomas

Susan Klooz

Family Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Tom as a mediator on several matters and have been impressed with his breadth of experience in divorce and child custody matters. He is one of the best attorneys in Ottawa County and may be the best family law attorney in the area."

Jennifer DeYoung

Family Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Thomas Kates in both family law cases and in mediation. He is professional and ethical and treats all parties with respect. He is extremely competent and knowledgeable in family law matters and an excellent advocate for his clients. I recommend Mr. Kates as an advocate and also as a mediator."

Daniel Goeman

Divorce and separation Attorney | Nov 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I fully endorse Tom because I have known and worked with Tom for 14 years and I have always valued his knowledge, judgment and professionalism. I have referred many clients to Tom over the years because I knew that they would be in good hands."

John Moritz

Family Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Attorney Kates for a number of years. Many of the cases that I have worked with Attorney Kates on have been complicated and involved a wide range of legal issues. Attorney Kates has proven himself to be extremely knowledgable of the law and a determined advocate for his clients."

Mark Williams

Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Tom Kates for more than two decades. I have always found Tom to be a diligent and determined advocate for al of his clients. Tom cares about his clients and has the skill and experience to provide them with excellent representation."

Amy Szilagyi

Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is very knowledgeable and cares about his clients. I am very comfortable referring my clients to him for family law and divorce matters. He takes time to listen and has a very calm demeanor that is reassuring to someone going through a stressful situation."

Elizabeth Giddings

Family Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Thomas Kates as he is an excellent attorney. He is trustworthy, thorough, conscientious, and compassionate, just the qualities necessary to assist individuals as their family law cases proceed through the judicial system. His insight and experience provide very valuable traits needed by any family law attorney. He serves his clients very well indeed. It is a privilege to have a colleague such as him in this legal community."

Tracy Thompson

General practice Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am an attorney in Ludington, so I saw Tom practice law for many years when he used to live and practice here in Mason County. Tom is honest and hard-working, and does a great job for his clients. I endorse him wholeheartedly, and would recommend him to friends and family."

Mary Jo Boerman

Family Attorney | Mar 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Tom for years and know him to be an excellent attorney. He his fair and honest and is respected in the legal community as an excellent divorce attorney."

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Susan Klooz

Mediation

Jennifer DeYoung

Mediation