Divorce

Wise and Compassionate Legal Counsel for Challenging Times

Divorce can be one of the most emotionally challenging and potentially devastating experiences of a person’s life.

As we realize our marriage is ending, we experience intense emotions, including grief, shock, anger and confusion. We may feel alone and abandoned, vulnerable even in our own homes. And on top of the intense emotion, we face an array of practical challenges and the reality that the marital estate will be split in two through an emotionally trying, expensive and all-consuming process. If you are headed for a divorce, either by your own choice or through consequences not of your own making, don’t go there without the assistance of a strong and experienced attorney by your side to guide you through the complexities of our legal system.

Family Law: A Specialty, Not a Sideline

My name is Tom Kates, and I have been an attorney in West Michigan for over 25 years. Unlike many attorneys who practice family law, I don’t do it as a sideline or a filler area in my law practice. I devote nearly all my professional energies to serving people who are in the midst of family law challenges. I understand that, in order to effectively serve clients in this complex area of the law, it is important to develop specific expertise, rather than dabbling in a practice area with such far-reaching implications. I take your family law matter seriously, as I know it impacts what is most important to you: Your family, your home, and your future.

When you meet with me for your first consultation, I will do a lot of listening. That’s because no two divorce cases are the same, and I want to get to know you and more about your family so we can establish specific goals together. You may have financial concerns and wonder how you will move on after the divorce. Many people wonder if they will be able to maintain relationships with their children, and have many questions about how to better equip their family to survive the emotional turmoil that accompanies nearly every divorce. All of these concerns will greatly impact how I handle your case. Because of the high emotional stakes involved in divorce, I encourage my clients to fully explore out-of-court settlements through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your case in detail. I will want to hear more about your family, and your specific situation. You will also have many questions for me, and I welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Please call my office to arrange a complimentary half-hour consultation. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Thomas C. Kates
The Family Law Leader

Serving Ottawa and Allegan Counties including Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Zeeland, Hudsonville, Fennville, Allegan, Jenison, Grandville, Allendale, Saugatuck, Douglas, and surrounding communities.