Thomas C. Kates

Thomas C. Kates

Thomas C. Kates PLLC β€’ Holland, MI
Divorce & SeparationGeneral Practice

Is this your profile?

Claim it for free to update your information and connect with clients.

Claim Profile β†’

Contact

Email
Phone
(616) 947-3403
Address
Holland, MI, 49424, US

Professional

About

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.

About Divorce & Separation Law

Divorce attorneys guide couples through the legal process of ending their marriage. They handle property division, custody, support, and other divorce-related matters. Common matters include contested divorce, uncontested divorce, property division, alimony.

Credentials

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
Languages
English

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
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
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
Associations
2015 - Present Mediation Services Mediation Education Committee 2014 - Present Holland Solo Bar Association Founder 2014 - Present Ottawa County Circuit Court, Family Division Domestic Mediation Panel 2008 - Present Allegan County Circuit Court Case Evaluator 2007 - Present State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section Member
Speaking
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
Updated: Mar 08, 2026