How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Midland?

Stephen is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?

Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Stephen E Durance, Business Attorney in Midland

Quick answer

Stephen E Durance is a principal based in Midland, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Child Custody, and Creditor Rights. Stephen has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephen E. Durance P.C.. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Midland, MI
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: Business · Child Custody · Creditor Rights

Handles Business, Child Custody, and Creditor Rights matters from Midland, MI.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Stephen takes on

Stephen concentrates on business, child custody, creditor rights, criminal defense, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Midland, Michigan

Stephen takes business matters in Midland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Midland, Michigan

Stephen takes child custody matters in Midland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Midland, Michigan

Stephen takes creditor rights matters in Midland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Midland, Michigan

Stephen takes criminal defense matters in Midland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Midland, Michigan

Stephen takes divorce matters in Midland, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Stephen E Durance — business lawyer in Midland

Stephen E Durance is a principal based in Midland, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Child Custody, and Creditor Rights. Stephen has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephen E. Durance P.C.. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Stephen E Durance is a lawyer practicing criminal practice in state courts, including traffic law, drinking law and 17 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Stephen practices at Stephen E. Durance P.C. in Midland, MI.

Working with Stephen on a business matter

Stephen E Durance is a lawyer practicing criminal practice in state courts, including traffic law, drinking law and 17 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Stephen practices at Stephen E. Durance P.C. in Midland, MI.

Clients Stephen works with

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, child custody, and creditor rights matters in Midland and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Detroit Mercy
J.D. · 1987
Valparaiso University
B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

Michigan
1987 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in University of Detroit Mercy and B.A. in Valparaiso University.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in University of Detroit Mercy and B.A. in Valparaiso University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Stephen E Durance's office in Midland

Stephen's primary office is at 218 Dartmouth Dr., Midland, MI, 48640. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stephen E. Durance P.C.

218 Dartmouth Dr.

Midland, MI 48640

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen E Durance — 4.1/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Midland.

4.1

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen E Durance claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen E Durance — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Midland, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen

Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen E Durance

How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Midland?
Stephen is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Michigan residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Stephen E Durance. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Midland, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

Stephen handles business matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Stephen E Durance, Business Attorney in Midland, Michigan

Quick answer