Eric W. Phelps

PRO

Eric W. Phelps

4.4
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 27 years

Litigation Lawyer at Traverse City, MI
Practice Areas: Litigation, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Adoption

13919 SW Bayshore Drive, Ste. G02, Traverse City, MI

About Eric

Biography

We serve individuals and families in issues of utmost importance--each with wisdom, courage & heart.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 30%

Experience in all divorce related matters, including: divorce, separation, annulment, prenuptial agreements, spousal support, property division, allocation of retirement assets, value of professional degrees, business valuations and child-related issues. Extensive experience in contested cases and complex litigation of all divorce related issues, including appeals.

28 years | 500 cases

30%
Litigation 30%

Experience in litigating complex cases in business, family, trust, estate, adoption and reproductive law matters. Proven results in all state courts, including district, circuit and appellate courts. Experienced in complex binding arbitrations.

28 years | 250 cases

30%
Child Custody 25%

Experience in all forms of child related legal issues, including: custody, support, parenting time, guardianship and grand parent rights. Extensive experience in contested cases and complex litigation of child related issues, including appeals.

28 years | 400 cases

25%
Adoption 15%

Experience in all adoption matters, including: direct, agency, relative, step-parent, international, adult and recission of adoptions. Representation for both birth parents and adoptive parents. Experience with complex litigation, interstate, ICWA and guardianship related adoption issues. Adoptive parent (international and domestic).

28 years | 200 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-250 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 27 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1998

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Phelps Legal Group, PLC

13919 SW Bayshore Drive, Ste. G02, Traverse City, MI, 49684

phelpslegal.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Eric online.

Eric W. Phelps's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Lindsay | July 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

Eric is professional, discerning, wise and calculated. His knowledge and experience coupled with his foresight make a winning combination in the court room. I give Eric Phelps the highest of recommendations.

Posted by JH | June 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

I Would Trust This Man With My Life

I came to Mr. Phelps feeling defeated and with an uphill battle before me after being denied my change of domicile request. I had a negative experience with a previous attorney who left me feeling scared, helpless, and completely unprepared. Mr. Phelps listened, and he agreed to take on my change o...f domicile case at a point when other attorneys had declined. And, I should add he did not take my case for the money, but because he honestly thought he could help me. Mr. Phelps and his team were extremely professional, honest, and treated me with the utmost integrity and respect. He never over promised. He was very prepared for my de novo trial. He exuded a calm demeanor which helped me stay focused. He was the voice of reason during a very stressful time in my life. The end result was the judge granted my request. I would recommend Mr. Phelps and his team without hesitation regarding any family court matter.

Posted by Rhonda | September 4, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Voice of Sanity

Mr. Phelps was the calm voice of sanity on the other end of the phone as I went through a difficult divorce. He was incredibly patient while I was freaking out over misinformation, answered my questions, and walked me through the process of child custody hearings and divorce. Eric was honest about ...the court systems and did not make promises he could not keep. Mr. Phelps was able to have conversations with my ex that I could not and bring him around to agreements that not only could I live with but that were often what I had been hoping for but wasn't sure would happen. Mr. Phelps listened to what I needed and fought for it. I cannot emphasize enough how calm, respectful, and patient Mr. Phelps was during the divorce process while, at the same time, being a smart, determined, well-respected attorney. I was so glad he was on my side!

Posted by Ann | September 3, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Fabulous

We have had a wonderful experience with Eric Phelps. He has assisted us throughout our DRC adoption journey and has done so with integrity, honesty and high ethical standards. We would highly highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal advise and support.

Posted by Jennifer | May 24, 2012

Integrity, wisdom and compassion

We work with Eric because he has integrity, wisdom and compassion. We have sought his advisement for both business and personal matters and always been pleased with his care and results.

See All Client Reviews

Eric W. Phelps's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Eric
Robert S. Whims headshot
Robert Whims

Litigation lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Attorney Phelps for approximately 7 years and in that time have litigated a number of cases against him/his clients, and a few where we were on the same side of the relevant issues. He is a dedicated, honorable and fearless attorney. Combined with his level of competence, he is an excellent advocate who I highly recommend."

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Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2024

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2022

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2018

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2017

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2016

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Magna Cum Laude, Trinity International University

2006

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2004

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1995

Final Honors in History, Mary Washington College

1992

Navy Commendation Medal, United States Marine Corps

Work Experience

2011 - 2012

Owner, Phelps Legal Group, PLC

2004 - 2011

Partner, Zimmerman, Kuhn, Darling, Boyd, Quandt & Phelps, PLC

1999 - 2004

Associate Attorney, Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge, P.C.

1997 - 1999

Associate Attorney, Smith & Johnson, P.C.

1985 - 1999

Officer, United States Marine Corps

Associations

2011 - Present

National Fertility Support Center

Board Member

2007 - Present

American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Member

2005 - Present

Bethany Christian Services

Board Member, Michigan Board

2002 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Member

1999 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Member

1998 - Present

Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

1998 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Member

1995 - Present

Christian Legal Society

Member

2010 - 2012

Traverse City Christian Schools

Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees

Sample of Legal Cases

Riemer v Johnson, 311 Mich App 632 (2015)

Client obtains desired results in custody, support and parenting time decisions

John C. Sprenger v Emily R. Bickle, 307 Mich App 411 (2014)

Affirmed

Nancy Harbottle Smith, et al. v John C. Harbottle, Sr., Michigan Court of Appeals Docket Nos. 309596 and 311362

Obtained summary dismissal of case in trial court in favor of client. Affirmed on appeal on all issues but one, which was remanded to trial court.

Morgan T. Fisher v Jordi Llore Justribo, Michigan Court of Appeals Docket Nos. 312106, 313387 and 314077

Order changing custody and an award of attorney fees in favor of client in trial court. Affirmed on appeal.

John C. Sprenger v Emily R. Bickle, 302 Mich App 400 (2013)

Dismissed on standing issue in trial court. Affirmed in split decision on appeal. Application for Leave to Appeal to be filed in Michigan Supreme Court.

Bethany Lutheran Church v Albert and Marie Porter, et al., Michigan Court of Appeals Docket Nos. 291742 and 291762

Michigan Court of Appeals decision in favor of clients and subsequent Trial Court victory in 9 day jury trial

Patricia Schumacher v Carl Steen, Michigan Court of Appeals Docket No. 294593

Michigan Court of Appeals decision in favor of clients, the paternal grandparents

Spectrum Health Hospital v Stephanie Jean Lehr, Michigan Court of Appeals Dicket No. 298688

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Trinity International University

MA - Masters

1998

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Juris Doctor

1995

University of Mary Washington

B.L.S.

1985

Eastern Michigan University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2012

Michigan Reproductive Nurses Association Annual Conference

Reproductive Law

2011

Monthly Webcast

Embryo Adoption & Donation

Publications

2011

Traverse City Record Eagle Newborn Baby's Mother Arraigned

2011

Traverse City Record Eagle Mom's Have Options

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution