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Thomas C. Kates
also known as Tom Kates
About Thomas
Biography
I have been practicing law in West Michigan for over 35 years. Of this, approximately eighteen 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.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
40%
36 years | 250 cases
Child Custody
20%
36 years | 100 cases
Family
20%
36 years | 100 cases
Mediation
20%
21 years | 80 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 36 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Thomas C. Kates PLLC
314 North 120th Avenue, Suite 7, Holland, MI, 49424
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Thomas C. Kates's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
8 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by William | December 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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...
Posted by Dave | December 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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...
Posted by norma | March 25, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
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...
Posted by Andy | March 11, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
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 statemen...
Thomas C. Kates's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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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Experience
Honors
2016
BV Distinguished Rated, Martindale Hubbell
1989
Best Appellate Brief Award, Wayne State University Law School
1989
American Jurisprudence Book Award Adv Legal Writing, Wayne State University
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Founding Attorney, Thomas C. Kates PLLC
2006 - 2007
Attorney, Hackney Grover Hoover and Bean
2002 - 2006
Attorney, Bigler Berry Johnston Sztykiel and Hunt
1998 - 2002
Managing Partner, Wilson and Kates, P.C.
1989 - 1997
Attorney--shareholder, Smith Haughey Rice and Roegge
Associations
2015 - Present
Mediation ServicesMediation Education Committee
2014 - Present
Holland Solo Bar AssociationFounder
2014 - Present
Ottawa County Circuit Court, Family DivisionDomestic Mediation Panel
2008 - Present
Allegan County Circuit CourtCase Evaluator
2007 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law SectionMember
2007 - Present
Kent County Circuit CourtCase Evaluator
2005 - Present
Case Evaluation Panel, Ottawa CountyCase Evaluator
1998 - 2000
Mason-Lake Bar AssnPast President
1994 - 1998
Michigan Defense Trial CounselMember
1988 - 1989
Wayne Law ReviewAssistant Editor
Sample of 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
Faith Church v. Brotherhood Mutual Ins
Trial court granted directed verdict for defendant
Education
2014
Mediation Training Consultation Institute
Certificate in Domestic Mediation
2014
Mediation Training Consultation Institute
Certificate, Domestic Violence Screening
1989
Wayne State University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1983
Central Michigan University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
The Domestic Mediator's Toolbox
Domestic Mediation
2014
Winning At Home In Service
Mediation for Counseling Professionals
2014
Talk of the Town Radio Show
New Trends in Mediation
2012
Wellness Staff In Service Training
Family Law Issues for Counseling Professionals
2008
the Peacemaker course
Alternative Dispute Resolution
2001
Nurse Education In Service
Anatomy of a Lawsuit
1996
Continuing Medical Education
Emergency Treatment and Active Labor Act Update
Publications
2016
Amazon
The Michigan Divorce and Child Custody Handbook
2012
Michigan Bar Journal Online
"Holding Court At Sunrise"
1989
Wayne Law Review
Publisher Liability for "Gun for Hire" Advertisements
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can my soon-to-be ex-husband legally withdraw money from my personal checking account?
11 Jun 2014
Q&A
When I get married does "Right of refusal" to my ex wife stop or does it continue?
06 Jun 2014
Q&A
What is the best way to handle a non-custodial parent who drinks and drives with minor child in car during visitation?
01 Jun 2014