team-member

Eric Phelps

Traverse City, MI

Licensed for 23 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

I  was born and raised in Flat Rock, Michigan.  My small town upbringing shaped my conservative values and strong work ethic.  Always patriotic and ever thankful for the benefits of living in America, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during college and earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in 1985.  I served as an officer of Marines from 1985 until 1999, in both active and reserve roles in the United States and overseas.  Durng my years in the Marine Corps, I served as a member of various units cited for superior performance, participated in contingency operations in the eastern Mediterranean in 1989 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for leadership in 1992.  I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1985, a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Mary Washington College in 1995, a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1998, and a Master of Arts in Bioethics from Trinity International University in 2007. I am admitted to practice law in State of Michigan and the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan in 1998, in the United States Court of Appealsfor the Sixth Circuit in 1999 and in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in 2002.  I regularly litigate cases in all Michigan trial and appellate courts. Prior to forming the Phelps Legal Group, I served as an associate attorney with the Traverse City law firms of Smith & Johnson, P.C. (1997-1999) and Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge, P.C. (1999 to 2004).  I also served as a partner at the Traverse City law firm of Zimmerman, Kuhn, Darling, Boyd, Quandt & Phelps (2004 to 2011). I am a member of New Hope Community Church, the Christian Legal Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the State Bar of Michigan.  I currently serve on the Michigan Board of Directors for Bethany Christian Services and am the former Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Traverse City Christian Schools. In my time outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring our state and national outdoor areas.

Practices Areas

Litigation

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Language

English

Contact

Phelps Legal Group, PLC13919 SW Bayshore DriveSte. G02Traverse City, MI, 49684 Office (231) 421-6577 Fax (866) 824-0244 13919 SW Bayshore DriveSte. G02Ste. G02Traverse City, MI, 49684 Office (231) 421-6577(231) 421-6577 Fax (866) 824-0244(866) 824-0244

Office: (231) 225-4497

Website: N/A

Reviews

Lindsay
July 25, 2017

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.

JH
June 13, 2016

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 of 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.

Rhonda
September 4, 2015

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!

Ann
September 3, 2015

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.

Jennifer
May 24, 2012

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.

Lori
May 4, 2012

Eric assisted me with my divorce about 4 years ago. I was devasted and really needed the help of someone who not only knew the law, but was also able to give me sound advice about moral issues. He was my voice of reason. Eric was very knowledgable and included several items in my divorce Decree that have proven to protect me and my children as time has passed. He carefully explained the law to me and clearly gave me my options. In addition, he was very practical in his approach to various issues, very responsive and ethical.

Lindsay
July 25, 2017

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.

JH
June 13, 2016

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 of 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.

Rhonda
September 4, 2015

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!

Ann
September 3, 2015

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.

Jennifer
May 24, 2012

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.

Lori
May 4, 2012

Eric assisted me with my divorce about 4 years ago. I was devasted and really needed the help of someone who not only knew the law, but was also able to give me sound advice about moral issues. He was my voice of reason. Eric was very knowledgable and included several items in my divorce Decree that have proven to protect me and my children as time has passed. He carefully explained the law to me and clearly gave me my options. In addition, he was very practical in his approach to various issues, very responsive and ethical.

Lindsay
July 25, 2017

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.

JH
June 13, 2016

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 of 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.

Rhonda
September 4, 2015

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!

Ann
September 3, 2015

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.

Jennifer
May 24, 2012

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.

Lori
May 4, 2012

Eric assisted me with my divorce about 4 years ago. I was devasted and really needed the help of someone who not only knew the law, but was also able to give me sound advice about moral issues. He was my voice of reason. Eric was very knowledgable and included several items in my divorce Decree that have proven to protect me and my children as time has passed. He carefully explained the law to me and clearly gave me my options. In addition, he was very practical in his approach to various issues, very responsive and ethical.