Randall L. Velzen

Randall L. Velzen practices exclusively practices in the area of family law (including estate planning). He helps his clients through the often complicated divorce process and is highly experienced with such sensitive matters as custody issues, property divisions, and support. 

Randy was one of the first attorneys in West Michigan to complete Collaborative law training through the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan ("CPIM"), which is the State Board for Collaborative professionals. He previously held the Chairperson position on the Board of Directors of CPIM. In addition, Randy is part of the PRISM, LLC training team which trains professionals in the legal practice of Collaborative divorce proceedings. Randy is a founding member of the Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan. In a Collaborative divorce, the parties and attorneys sign a contract committing to try to settle the case. All issues are settled without any court involvement. From the onset of the divorce process, all parties are committed to settling the case, rather than pursuing litigation—making this a primary benefit of the Collaborative law practice. Only attorneys trained in the Collaborative process can truly handle a Collaborative case. Randy is of the strong conviction that this process of resolving marital disputes with dignity is usually a better and less damaging approach for the families involved.

 Currently, Randy’s divorce-related practice consists of approximately ⅓ Collaborative law, ⅓ mediation/arbitration, and ⅓ litigation practice. When it comes to dissolving a marriage, there is no "one size fits all" solution. 

Randy's estate planning practice consists primarily of simple estates, both with or without children. If there are minor children involved in the estate, then usually a Trust might be required. A complete estate plan almost always includes a Durable Power of Attorney, a Patient Advocate form, and of course the Wills.

 Randy is married to Laurie Velzen. They have two sons, Andrew and Benjamin, who are both married to intelligent and wonderful women. Finally, a new small addition joined the family—making Theodore their first and currently their only grandchild to date.