Michael C. Peterson - Palm Springs, CA

I had very high hopes for Mr.Peterson. I was conviced he was the best in the valley for family law after extensive research. I was completely let down, felt unheard , judged and like he was trying to play me for my money. DETAILS: 1st of all their website says intial consult is free it is not you will be charged 400 dollars. Our consultation was interuptted twice by his personal phone calls, he never took the time to hear me out or listen to the facts of the situation. He knows the lawyer of my ex spouse and I feel he was just trying to get a easy pay day and almost as if he knew something I didn't I even confronted him about it and his body language changed. He then instructed me to go to the court house and get all paper work my childrens mother might have on me. Once I returned later in the day he skimmed through it. Didn't even let me speak my "theories" as he said and pretty much kicked me out of his office. The restraining order says I have hidden or destroyed documets, recently applied for a passport, birth certificate,, or school or medical records. WHICH I HAVE NOT AT ALL! It also states that I have a history of abusing other partners, threatning to take away or hide my children which I have never done. On the contrary my childs mother has done so multiple times in the past including being charged with domestic violence. That I have strong ties in another country when I haven't travelled outside the country in over 4 years!!! He didn't go over any of that and her statement had a bunch of inconstisies. He kept saying "when you go to court" and I asked if I retain you don't you go for me? and he replied "with well yea I can I guess"I mean I'd hope if you're asking 7500 dollars to retain you plus 400 dollars to consult. I felt extreme unfairness and just distraught because I am the true victim. I mentioned I have witnesses etc and he didn't care or want to hear about it. He just wanted to "see if he can work a deal" for 50/50 custody and get paid. Thats why I feel like he and my mothers children attorney talked behind my back he even said he knew her and talks to her sometimes in his mind he probably thought it was gonna be and easy case who cares about everything else just get them 50/50 and move on. I certinaly did not feel he was acting in my best intrest he completly shut me down and said he didn't want to hear anymore unless I paid the 7500 retainer. Yet he could not guarantee anything or make me feel sure in moving forward I honestly felt like he was trying to play me I wish I could post pictures of the statement on the restraining order, the parts he highlighted, and everything that didn't add up that he completely ignored.But I don't know if that is legal. It felt like he was defending her and acting in her best intrest. To be called thuggish, and told that I don't speak proper that the judge will automatically take her side and not leave with peace of mind is certainly not a lawyer I would retain. Usually a lawyer wil say don't stress don't worry etc especially when I have witnesses and evidence but he didn't care about any of that all he wanted to do is take my money and "work a deal" the same deal the mother of my kids is asking for how ironic. To not even do anything about the false restraining order or care and just say I'm pretty muched F is ridiculous especially from someone who I believed to be the best. I have a little over 10 thousand saved and 9 thousand coming in taxes.I have a big family that loves my children ready to sponsor me! Who knows what I been through with the mother of my children and the things I've tolerated from her because of how much I love my kids. I don't know if its because I am young but to be judged and feel like I am being conned by a top lawyer was very unacceptable especially when it involves my children the things that mean the most to me in this world. - Sylvester Felix! 2/20/2024

I Highly Recommend Michael C. Peterson at the Law Office of Thurman W. Arnold!!! I hired Michael for my custody case and he is very knowledgeable and took the time to educate me on the process so we can put together a winning strategy. He fought for me and my children in court and successfully won our case. There are no words to describe how grateful and appreciative I am for Michaels service!!! If you are wondering which Attorney to hire, do yourself a favor and hire Michael. I would not recommend anyone else!!! Simply the Best of the Best!!!