Michael W Seidel

I hired Michael Seidel to help me fight a custody battle against my daughter’s mother, after she had taken our daughter out of state and exposed her to drugs and domestic violence. The odds were against me, as I had never had any type of custody and had always been geographically separated from my d...aughter and her mother. Michael diligently built a case, conducting a through investigation that exposed my daughter’s mother’s nefarious activities. He identified and lined up key witnesses for trial, and subpoenaed damaging phone records, emails and 911 calls. In the end I was awarded sole legal and physical custody. Now thirteen years later my daughter is about to start college at a prestigious university. All thanks to Michael. I’ve seen a few negative comments on here and they all seem to revolve around money. As an attorney myself, I can tell you that quality representation is always costly, but never as costly as poor representation. Although Michael was not cheap, he was not unreasonable either, and the work he delivered was worth every dime in the end.

When I hired Michael Seidel to represent me in October 2011, it was a very stressful and emotional time for me. I wanted to fight for Sole Custody of my child which I eventually received. Mr. Seidel took my money ($5,000) but his representation for me was nothing short of terrible. He did not... fight for me and my rights, but after the first $2,500 I gave him to start my case, he blew through that within two months and wanted "another $2,500 to move forward on my case. Sad. Needless to say I fired him as my attorney and found a much better one who fought for me. I wouldn't refer him to anyone !

Mike was well prepared for my case, almost always available as the situation changed over the course of a couple months, and was empathetic to the situation at hand. He kept my priorities in mind, giving me every chance he could to see my child while my situation was unfolding, and even after the res...training order filed against me was dismissed. I highly recommend Mr. Seidel to anyone with a family law issue.

I retained Mr. Seidel prior to him opening his own office for a custody dispute. He was also involved with a criminal case at the same time that both parties were involved with. Yes, this case was complicated, but in no way did this give authority for Mr. Siedel to withdraw as being my attorney witho...ut proper and judicial notice to be given just two weeks before trial that was set on calendar months in advance. All because he was moving from the law firm to open his own. To date, I have been pro per and corrected the issues Mr. Seidel created and allowed as "settlement" or "we have bigger fish to fry" in my case. Those issues allowed my ex to get into another criminal case involving the threat of life and safety to my children, and a medical condition for one of my children. If I had listened to my gut I would have moved on and saved myself thousands of dollars rather than funding his now new business and being misguided. I strongly recommend Mr. Seidel as a public defender, but do not allow him to take on a personal long term case that anyone can handle themselves. With it, you will be guaranteeing repeat hearings to correct multiple errors he allows. Use that money for filing fees yourself and not pay someone with the same mental capacity as a typical Joe. Sorry Mr. Seidel, but calling me on my personal phone after my scheduled hearing you bailed on to see "how did it go" was a complete slap to the face and insult to all.

Mike helped in gaining custody of my two children. As a father serving in the Army, this was by no means a slam-dunk custody case. Mike was very organized and prepared during the custody hearing. Today, my boys are living in a healthy environment thanks to Mike and his team. I would absolutely re...commend his services to anyone seeking custody of their children.