Legal issues, especially family matters and child custody can be emotionally difficult, but experienced family law attorneys Christine Stephens and Phoebe Moore, of Stephens & Moore P.L.L.C., handle the experience with refreshing compassion.
After esteemed tenures as corporate defense attorneys for Secrest Wardle, an insurance defense firm in Farmington Hills, the pair opened offices in both Oxford and Caro, Michigan. They both wanted to focus on providing quality, individual legal services for their communities.
‘We want to make an impact by working with individuals in a smaller community ,? said Stephens. ‘It’s so personally gratifying as opposed to corporate work,? she said modestly adding how amazing it is to the pair to see that people are happy the partners have affected lives in a positive manner.
Because of their significant compassion for people, Stephens & Moore, P.L.L.C. specializes in personal issues such as child custody and support, divorce, probate, real estate planning issues, and personal injury.
With a law degree from noted New England School of Law in 1996, Moore began practicing law in Massachusetts before moving back home to the firm of Secrest Wardle.
Moore is a wife and mother of two daughters living in Caro and said she is fascinated with researching real estate law and the history of legal descriptions but is most passionate about assisting members of her community.
‘In total in my practice I love helping people sitting arms length from me, face-to-face,? she said.
Moore practices in Oakland, Lapeer and Tuscola counties and is an advocate for the Cass River Habitat for Humanity organization as well as the founder of the Caro Girls Basketball Association.
Both Moore and Stephens are members of the American Bar Association and the Woman Lawyers Association of Michigan.
As a 1994 Cum Laude graduate of the esteemed Detroit College of Law, Stephens was recognized with the Julia D. Darlow Outstanding Woman Law Student Award and was honored with the William P. Finch Trial Advocacy Award.
In addition to general personal law, as a court-appointed child advocacy attorney, Stephens is a passionate voice for the rights of children in Oakland, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.
Stephens is a volunteer attorney for the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society and an Oxford Chamber of Commerce board member.
As a wife and mother of two boys living in Oxford, and a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Stephens firmly emphasizes personal community involvement with an emphasis on respect for client individuality.
Working within a community allows the partners an opportunity to work closely with clients.
‘Obviously things aren’t going well for them if they are in our office,? said Stephens. ‘It’s a stressful time for them and the success we achieve for them will have a lasting effect on their lives.?
Persistence, advocacy, and attention to detail is the commitment Stephens & Moore, P.L.L.C. makes to guard their clients long-term interests. Undaunted by the legalistic challenge, regardless of the size of the case, compassion drives Stephens & Moore to remain with a case from the civil level to the Supreme Court of Michigan, if necessary.
‘We really care about what happens to our clients and take all necessary measures to handle the case through conclusion,? said Stephens, adding the pair are dedicated to providing the utmost professional service.
While Stephens admits it is easier to develop a relationship with a client from the beginning of a case, they will also represent those who are in the appeal process.
‘We’ll do anything we can to help a client but will never tell them we guarantee an outcome.?
With honesty foremost in their minds, the partners freely admit if they feel a case is not equitable to the client.
‘Ethics is our reputation every time,? Stephens said. ‘If I am not truthful I’ve wasted everyone’s time.?
While the practice has grown tremendously Stephens & Moore believe it’s paramount to provide individual services to community members, often offering free consultations to analyze the best solutions for the client.
‘If we can’t help, we will refer to someone who I feel is a good match to the client’s needs.?
Because the Oxford and Caro practices are continuing to grow, Stephens said they are working on adding two more lawyers to the office to better maintain client services.
‘The communities have been wonderful,? adds Stephens. ‘We receive a lot of referrals and that makes us really proud.?
For more information on Stephens & Moore, P.L.L.C. for an appointment at the Oxford office, located at 107 S. Washington Street, call 248-969-7000.
For an appointment at the Caro office, located at 121 West Grant Street, call 989-672-4255.
Visit the website at www.stephensandmoorepllc.com.
Office hours are 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.