
Thomas C Kates, ADR Attorney in Holland, Michigan
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Child Custody, and Divorce
MemberatThomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator
Holland, MI
Practicing adr in Holland since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Thomas C Kates is a member based in Holland, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Child Custody, and Divorce. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator.
- Based in
- Holland, MI
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- ADR · Child Custody · Divorce
- Handles ADR, Child Custody, and Divorce matters from Holland, MI.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas C Kates: Thomas C Kates is a member based in Holland, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Child Custody, and Divorce. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas C Kates
Thomas concentrates on adr, child custody, divorce, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Child Custody
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Divorce
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Family Law
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ADR cases in Holland, Michigan
Thomas takes adr matters in Holland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Holland, Michigan
Thomas takes child custody matters in Holland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Holland, Michigan
Thomas takes divorce matters in Holland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Holland, Michigan
Thomas takes family law matters in Holland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Thomas C Kates — Over 37 years of Michigan adr experience
Thomas C Kates is a member based in Holland, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Child Custody, and Divorce. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator.
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.
Working with Thomas on a adr matter
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.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, child custody, and divorce matters in Holland and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Thomas C Kates's legal education and bar admissions
Wayne State University
J.D. · 1989
Central Michigan University
B.S. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Michigan
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Wayne State University and B.S. in Central Michigan University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Wayne State University and B.S. in Central Michigan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Ottawa County, Mason Lake
President, 2000) and Kent County Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan (Member, Section on Negligence Law · membership
Locations
Thomas C Kates's office in Holland
Thomas's primary office is at 36 West 8th St., Ste. 200, Holland, MI, 49423. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Thomas C. Kates, Attorney and Mediator
36 West 8th St., Ste. 200
Holland, MI 49423
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas C Kates — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Holland, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas C Kates
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Holland?
Thomas is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new adr clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Holland, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
Thomas handles adr matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Michigan
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Holland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.