Atty. Thomas C Kates

Atty. Thomas C Kates

Thomas C Kates is a lawyer practicing divorce, custody, parenting time support and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from Central Michigan University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years.

Holland Holland 37 yrs experience 37 year
Call (616) 229-3549 Book Appointment

Custody & More Attorney · Serving Holland, MI · 37+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Thomas C Kates at a Glance

Thomas C Kates is a Member based in Holland, Michigan, practicing at Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator. They have 37+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1989. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, and adr. Admitted to practice in Michigan (1989) and U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan (1989). Educated at Wayne State University (J.D., 1989) and Central Michigan University (B.S., 1983). Active member of Ottawa County, Mason Lake. Serves clients in Holland, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Thomas C Kates

  • Thomas C Kates is a lawyer practicing divorce, custody, parenting time support and 2 other areas of law
  • Thomas received a B.S. degree from Central Michigan University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years
  • Thomas practices at Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator in Holland, MI

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas C Kates's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas C Kates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Holland.

Divorce in Holland

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Thomas C Kates is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Michigan →

Child Custody & Visitation in Holland

Thomas C Kates is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Michigan →

Family Law in Holland

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Thomas C Kates is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Michigan →

Mediation & Arbitration in Holland

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

Thomas C Kates is one of 73,315 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Holland

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Holland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Holland Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Holland-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Holland or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Thomas C Kates

Where is Thomas C Kates's law office located?
Thomas C Kates's law practice is located in Holland, Michigan. The firm is Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas C Kates handle?
Thomas C Kates focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How long has Thomas C Kates practiced law?
Thomas C Kates has 37+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1989.
Where did Thomas C Kates go to law school?
Thomas C Kates earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (B.S., 1983).
How can I contact Thomas C Kates for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas C Kates directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Holland Choose Thomas C Kates

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas C Kates's practice in the field of divorce, child custody, family law, and adr.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Thomas C Kates brings 37+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Michigan and U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, Thomas C Kates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering divorce, child custody, and family law, Thomas C Kates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Holland

A Holland-based practice means Thomas C Kates attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Thomas C Kates Handles in Holland

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Thomas C Kates has experience with under Michigan law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Divorce and property division
Family Law
Child custody and support
Family Law
Spousal support (alimony)
Family Law
Prenuptial agreements
Family Law

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Thomas C Kates directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Thomas C Kates Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Holland commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Thomas C Kates.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Thomas C Kates directly.

Thomas C Kates's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Wayne State University
- 1989
B.S.
Central Michigan University
- 1983

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Michigan
Admitted: 1989
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Admitted: 1989

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