Velzen Elected Chair of the Family Law Section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association

Grand Rapids Mich., January 5, 2010 - Randall L. Velzen, a shareholder in the Grand Rapids office of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, has been elected chairperson of the Family Law Section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

Randy focuses his practice on family law and 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 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.

Randy is currently on the state board for Collaborative Professionals (Collaborative Practice Institute of West Michigan). He is also a founding member of the Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan. In addition, Randy is very active in the Grand Rapids Bar Association (GRBA). As well as serving as chairperson of the GRBA's Family Law Section, Randy also currently serves on the executive committee of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge has been helping our clients overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities since 1941. With offices in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, and more than 85 attorneys and counselors, we offer some of the most comprehensive legal experience available in the areas of Business and Property, Health, Construction, Employment Law, Estate Planning, and Litigation. For more information about the firm, call 877-833-SHRR or visit www.shrr.com.

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