Michael Christian Peterson

Michael Christian Peterson

also known as Michael C. Peterson, CFLS

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 18 years

Family Lawyer at Palm Springs, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +2 more

225 S Civic Drive, Suite 1-3, Palm Springs, CA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Custody 20%

17 years | 100 cases

20%
Child Support 20%

17 years | 200 cases

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

17 years | 200 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

17 years | 100 cases

20%
Family 20%

17 years | 160 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 375-395 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 16 years

State: California

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 18 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2007

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Thurman W. Arnold

225 S Civic Drive, Suite 1-3, Palm Springs, CA, 92262

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Michael Christian Peterson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (33) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Jeff | April 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great Resolution.

I will say that I am extremely pleased and satisfied with the work Attorney Mike Peterson did on my marriage dissolution case. When the original petition for dissolution was served to me, I thought that the case could have been an ugly and drawn out proceeding. There was a lot of intrigue and troub...led history in my marriage that I expected would make any resolution a long and painful exercise. Almost from the moment that I sat down with Mike to discuss things, I was impressed and also relieved. Mike explained just how Family Law works in California, and that extraneous information, not specifically connected to the division of assets, was largely irrelevant. His counsel was always calm and precise. He showed me that in the case of irreconcilable differences, the most important aspects were how the Law dictates ways in which assets are to be divided and parties are to operate during and after divorce proceedings. Mike's expert negotiations with opposing counsel were firm and reasonable. When it seemed opposing counsel was either intentionally or unintentionally moving slowly in the production of certain documents, Mike was able to simply show that they were close to violating statutes and the tardiness never happened again. During the whole of the dissolution process, Mike made sure I knew what was important to focus on and what was not. This was most helpful to me. His stewardship of the case resulted in a reasonable settlement. And for that Mike has my deepest gratitude. Additionally, I need to mention the work that Kristin, from Mike's office, did during the proceedings. Her swift and diligent work made my experience that much easier, and my thanks go out to Kristin as well.

Michael Peterson

Replied last April 26, 2018

Thank you so much sir. It was my and Kristin's pleasure to be of good service to you.

Posted by James | September 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

Exceptional Lawyer with Exceptional Staff

I retained Mr. Peterson in hopes of being granted a Move Away Order. My case was/is a "high conflict" case, with 3 years worth of Declarations and paperwork submitted on both sides. This, in itself, can be daunting for anyone, especially being that Mr. Peterson wasn't my original Attorney, and given ...the fact that most of it was done on my own and very poorly put together. That being said, Mr. Peterson and his staff were very thorough in organizing my case file, and putting together a very competent case with the information that was before them, regardless of the state they received it in. Mr. Peterson's staff was extremely helpful and polite, and ensured I received as much help and information as they could provide. Mr Peterson himself was not only extremely "timely", as he would always return my phone calls and emails within a reasonable time, but I never once felt as if I was just a client. In fact, I felt as if I was his most important client at all times, as he always provided status updates without being asked, and his knowledge of my case, and California Law in general, was exceedingly proficient and thorough! I did end up being granted my request for a Move Away Order, but I have to say that this review would have been the EXACT same, even if my request had been denied. If you are looking for a Family Law Attorney you can trust, who will tell you what to expect (even if it isn't what you want to hear), and who will put 100% into your case, then I highly suggest Mr. Michael Peterson!

Posted by Tara | August 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

If you need a gladiator in a suit, hire Michael Peterson!

Mr. Peterson is absolutely one of the most competent, precise, and professional attorney's I have ever dealt with! He handled my divorce in 2013 flawlessly and very favorable to me and the best interest of my children. He was able to negotiate with my ex (who is a very difficult individual) and hav...e the whole thing resolved in about a month (custody, property and all). In 2016, when an extremely complicated custody issue arose, Mr. Peterson didn't even bat an eye. He extensively explained the risks and rewards, created a game plan and was off and running. When the case hit some bumps (all bumps were due to other entities involved in the case) Mr. Peterson analyzed every probable course of action and applied the law with expert logic to anticipate possible outcomes. The entire time I worked with Mr. Peterson I felt like he took my case personally. The reason I felt like that is because he does. Mr. Peterson genuinely cares about his clients, their cases, and takes great pride in his work. These are all qualities that put him in a league above many of his peers. He gets a 5+ star rating from me!

Posted by Sheila Lopez | August 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Child Custody

Michael Peterson is seriously an amazing attorney. He HELPS you understand the situation and has a plan before entering the court room. I had met with other attorneys that had no plans on what to do with my case, I felt hopeless and after speaking with Michael I knew he would HELP. I am content to... have had him represent me. I would not have been able to do this on my own. My family and I are very grateful to have came across Mr Peterson. I Highly recommend Michael !

Posted by Sarah | June 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Michael Will Do What Is Best For You!

My restraining order trial/divorce case had some crazy twists and turns. Michael Peterson handled the case with the utmost knowledge, precise skill set, and professionalism. The entire office staff is excellent. All of my paperwork and filings were done correctly and efficiently. If you want an attor...ney to go above and beyond for your case, choose Michael Peterson.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Christian Peterson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Bradley Jay Faber headshot
Bradley Faber

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael is a formidable and knowledgeable opposing counsel, yet fair and compassionate.I highly recommend Michael to competently handle any family law matters. Moreover, he is a grande fellow. Anyone would like Mike."

Laura Elizabeth Vocke headshot
Laura Vocke

Family lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a tenacious, motivated, and skilled lawyer. I recommend him for clients seeking a knowledgeable attorney in the Palm Spring area."

Nathan L. Rosenberg headshot
Nathan Rosenberg

Family lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"My work with counsel was cordial, professional, and devoid of efforts to elevate the conflict within the family, resulting in the kind of Stipulated agreements for sharing children which we would hope to attain in our family law matters!"

Mark David Gershenson headshot
Mark Gershenson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael, although relatively new in the profession, is rapidly learning the ropes. He is bright, energetic, and committed to his clients."

Barbara Elaine Kristal headshot
Barbara Kristal

Family lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a fine lawyer and has shown himself to be knowledgeable, intelligent and fair. I would gladly recommend him to anyone considering hiring him."

Thurman Wesley Arnold III headshot
Thurman Arnold

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Mike is an outstanding up and coming young lawyer - truly the best I've encountered in more than a decade. I have the great good fortune that he has joined our firm. Not only is he as personable as they come, but he is extremely smart and well-educated in the old-fashioned sense of the word. While my practice is now focused on family law (along with decades of civil law trial experience), Mike is not only handling divorce and family law cases for the firm but is expanding our practice areas to include civil litigation of all sorts, and some probate and estate work. He is well liked and respected by our colleagues, and for good reason. You will not be disappointed by him."

View All Endorsements
Bradley Jay Faber headshot
Bradley Faber

Family lawyer

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Roman Escueta

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Albert Kim

Criminal defense lawyer

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Carl Post

Employment and labor lawyer

Laura Elizabeth Vocke headshot
Laura Vocke

Family lawyer

Thomas Alan Grossman headshot
Thomas Grossman

Mediation lawyer

Nathan L. Rosenberg headshot
Nathan Rosenberg

Family lawyer

Mark David Gershenson headshot
Mark Gershenson

Family lawyer

Thomas Lance Archer headshot
Thomas Archer

Criminal defense lawyer

Barbara Elaine Kristal headshot
Barbara Kristal

Family lawyer

Gretchen Wellman Taylor headshot
Gretchen Taylor

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

Family Law Chairperson, Desert Bar Association

2015

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2003

Recipiant, Phi Betta Kappa

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney, Law Firm Of Thurman W. Arnold, III Certified Family Law Specialists

Associations

2015 - Present

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Member

2015 - Present

State Bar of California

Family Law Section

2011 - Present

Desert Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2007 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2009 - 2017

State Bar of California

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Confidential

Affirmed (won)

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

University of Oregon School of Law

N/A

University of Oregon

Speaking Engagements

N/A

N/a

None to date

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

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