Randall L. Velzen primarily practices in the areas of family law, estate planning, real estate, and probate. He guides his clients through the often complicated divorce process, and is highly experienced with such sensitive matters as custody issues and business/asset valuations and divisions.
Randy was one of the first attorneys in western Michigan to complete collaborative law training through the Collaborative Law Institute of Michigan. In this up-and-coming area of divorce law, prior to becoming involved with the divorce litigation process, the parties and attorneys agree to sign a contract committing to try to settle the case. The primary benefit of collaborative law is that from the onset of the divorce process all parties are committed to settling the case, rather than pursuing litigation. This method is thought to be more honest and less damaging to the families involved.
“Families going through a divorce face an enormous amount of stress. By utilizing the collaborative approach to divorce proceedings we are able to minimize that stress by focusing on cooperation, trust, respect, and the integrity of all those involved in order to reach a settlement.”
– Randy Velzen
He began his professional career in 1978 as an associate with the Law Firm of Murphy Burns & McInerney. In 1981, he was a founding member of the law firm of Napieralski Walsh & Velzen, leaving that firm to become a sole practitioner in 1985. He continued as a sole practitioner until December 1999, when he joined Smith Haughey, primarily to add depth to the family law, estate planning, and real estate areas.
Randy is very active with the Grand Rapids Bar Association, having served on numerous committees. He has also been a guest lecturer with the Grand Rapids Bar Association in several capacities and a participant on the Bar Associations’ television show “Ask an Attorney.”
Randy is married to Laurie Velzen and they have two sons, Andrew and Benjamin.
