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The Family Law Leader
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Q: We recently went to mediation and settled most of the issues in our divorce. However, my wife is being stubborn about personal property. She says that we need to place a dollar value on everything and that the values must be equal when we divide our stuff. I think this is a big hassle, and would rather not waste my time on this. How does the court look at personal property division in a divorce?

October 3rd, 2017
Posted By
Thomas C. Kates
A: As I am sure you can imagine, personal property is one of those issues that many Family Court judges would rather not get involved in. If it all possible, it is far prefera… Read More
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Categories: Divorce, Divorce Attorney, Mediation
Tags: appraisal, Michigan divorce, personal property, personal property dispute, property division, real estate
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Q: I am going through a divorce and we are unable to agree on the value of the house. It looks like we are going to go to court over this issue. How is the court going to determine the value of the home?

September 25th, 2017
Posted By
Thomas C. Kates
A: If you have not already done so, I strongly suggest that you obtain an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser as soon as possible. In recent years, the real estate… Read More
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Categories: Divorce, Divorce Attorney
Tags: appraisal, Michigan divorce, property value, real estate, real estate appraiser
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About Tom Kates

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Thomas C. Kates
I have been a practicing attorney in West Michigan including Ottawa, Allegan, Kent and Muskegon Counties for over 25 years. My office is located in beautiful downtown Holland, Michigan and I serve clients in Holland, Grand Haven, Allegan, and all of Ottawa and Allegan Counties. I specialize in the vital practice areas of family law including divorce, child custody, support, parenting time and paternity. I earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1989 from Wayne State University Law School where I served… Read More

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Q: My attorney tells me that I have a mediation coming up. I don’t know what to expect. Can you give me a general rundown of the process?
A: Mediations are not all the same, but most of them follow a general format that is somewhat predictable. If your attorney was involved in choosing the mediator, which is usu… Read More
Q: I recently filed a complaint for divorce. My wife says she is opposed to the idea of divorce and intends to contest it. What does this mean?
A: Michigan is known as a no-fault divorce state. This means that, in order to obtain a judgment of divorce, the plaintiff, who is the person filing for divorce, does not need… Read More

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Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator
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Our office is located on 120th Avenue between Lakewood and James on the West side of the road. We are in the building with Fogg Chiropractic. Park behind the building and use the back entrance.

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