My Promise to You

Thomas C. Kates, Holland, Michigan Family Law Attorney and Mediator

If you will place your trust in me as your attorney, I will endeavor to not only protect your rights in court; I will do my very best to handle your case in a manner that protects the rights you have when it comes to legal representation. The most important of these rights are set forth below:

You have the right to vigorous representation in pursuit of your lawful objectives. This means that I work for you and I will not do anything that would compromise your position, nor will I pursue any objective on your behalf that is not in accordance with your specific directives to me. I will make every effort to find a prompt and efficient resolution to your situation.

You have the right to timely updates on the status of your case. I will endeavor to return telephone calls and emails as promptly as I can. Sometimes it may be impracticable to return calls or emails immediately due to my court schedule, but I am committed to keeping you advised as promptly as possible. In almost all cases, I am able to return telephone calls and emails the same day they are received.

You have the right to a fee agreement that is fair and reasonable. When we first meet, I will explain my fee agreement in detail and answer any questions you may have. You will receive a copy of my written fee agreement. You will receive timely periodic billing statements to keep you advised at all times of your retainer account balance or any amounts owed. While it is next to impossible to accurately predict the entire cost of any legal proceeding, I will do my best to work within the budget that you have, and I will not initiate any activities solely for the purpose of generating fees. I work for you, and if at any time you cannot afford my services, you may terminate our relationship.

You have the right to complete confidentiality and loyalty. I will not discuss your case with third parties or other attorneys, and I will not disclose your confidences to anyone without your express authority to do so. I will protect your financial and medical information in accordance with HIPPAA and other privacy laws.

You have the right to be treated with respect. This right extends not only to you, but to everyone I encounter, including opposing counsel, witnesses, and opposing parties including your soon to be ex spouse.

You have the right to representation by the attorney you hire. If you hire me, I will be doing the work for you. I will not assign your case to an inexperienced associate. I will be the one who advises you, negotiates with opposing counsel, and appears in court on your behalf.

You have the right to quality representation. I will strive to stay abreast of recent developments in the law as they may affect your case and advise you accordingly. I will be thoroughly prepared for court appearances. I will also make sure that you are well prepared and comfortable if you are called upon to testify in court or give a deposition.

You have the right to an attorney who is accessible. Most of the time when you call my office, you will speak directly to me, and not with an assistant. I take all of my clients' communications seriously.

You have the right to representation with integrity. This means that I will strive to conform to the highest ethical standards, and I will adhere to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct at all times. I will be truthful with you, the court, and all those we encounter during the legal process.

Thomas C. Kates, Family Law Attorney and Mediator

Holland, Michigan Attorney and mediator serving the West Michigan Counties of Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, and Muskegon. I handle cases in many West Michigan cities including Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon, Hamilton, Allegan, Zeeland, Borculo, Hudsonville, Jenison, Byron Center, and all along the lakeshore.