team-member

Thomas Kates

Holland, MI

Licensed for 32 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

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. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Thomas C. Kates PLLC36 West Eighth StreetSuite 200Holland, MI, 49423 Office (616) 399-4700 Fax (866) 212-5601 36 West Eighth StreetSuite 200Suite 200Holland, MI, 49423 Office (616) 399-4700(616) 399-4700 Fax (866) 212-5601(866) 212-5601

Office: (616) 228-1275

Website: N/A

Reviews

Matt
February 7, 2014

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.

anonymous
December 29, 2014

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.

William
December 15, 2018

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.

Dave
December 11, 2018

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.

Kate
December 11, 2018

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.

norma
March 25, 2014

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.

Andy
March 11, 2014

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.

Richard
March 3, 2014

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

Matt
February 7, 2014

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.

anonymous
December 29, 2014

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.

William
December 15, 2018

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.

Dave
December 11, 2018

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.

Kate
December 11, 2018

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.

norma
March 25, 2014

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.

Andy
March 11, 2014

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.

Richard
March 3, 2014

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

Matt
February 7, 2014

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.

anonymous
December 29, 2014

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.

William
December 15, 2018

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.

Dave
December 11, 2018

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.

Kate
December 11, 2018

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.

norma
March 25, 2014

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.

Andy
March 11, 2014

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.

Richard
March 3, 2014

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