Reliable Expert Second Opinions For Divorce and Family Law for Understanding Your Case Anywhere in California!
Divorce Advice You Can Trust!
~ Arnold, Peterson & Criste ~
Everybody has opinions. Unfortunately, not all of them are created equally.
People have life-transforming issues and questions about their family law circumstances. The stakes could not be higher. They naturally ask their friends, intimates, co-workers, and family friends what those folks recommend. While the advice received is well intention-ed, much of it may be misinformed.
We want you to have the best insights, and to avoid you, a trusted friend or an inexperienced lawyer, blowing you both up. Are you tired of the run-around and unmet promises and incomplete explanations? Do you need the bottom-line answers about your divorce or family law matters, from attorneys whose sophistication you can trust? Whether you are self-represented or have an attorney, and wheresoever your case is pending in California, you will be better informed with a second opinion consult with Arnold, Peterson & Criste!
We are completely discreet - your current lawyer will never know anything. Most take 2 to 3 hours. You are asked to pay before we start. You determine your budget, and you don't receive a bill from us. This allows you to control your costs. To read about what we charge for Second Opinions starting in 2017 and 2018, visit us here! And, we love consulting with other lawyers.
Please contact Jordyn Gibbs at our office to set up a meeting! We'd love to give you the straight scoop!
Contact Family Law Specialists Arnold, Peterson & Criste!
(760) 320-7915

Anna, a self-represented Attorney
I live in Northern California and I recently hired Thurman Arnold III as a "Second Opinion Lawyer" for my long drawn out divorce case, and particularly for my upcoming hearing on modification of spousal support. While I have previously had three other attorneys, I could not find competent legal help from anyone for my latest legal issue in my Family Law matter. That is, until I conferred with Mr. Arnold. Mr. Arnold is not only an expert in the field of Family Law, but also courteous and compassionate. I received answers that I had never received before from my other attorneys.
I found Mr. Arnold's website while searching the Internet for legal help and had one of those gut feelings that he was the "real deal." I was correct! Mr. Arnold's website has a wealth of information regarding Family Law which is very helpful for those that have not had luck with former attorneys or those people that are representing themselves, particularly for complex situations.
In addition, Mr. Arnold performed extra work for me, at NO charge showing his dedication to his profession. It is obvious that he is experienced and wants to help people. He is an honor to the legal profession! I urge anyone that is looking for a competent, knowledgeable and experienced attorney to consider hiring Mr. Arnold!
I am so very glad I found Mr. Arnold and I now feel I can move forward with my case with the legalese and expertise Mr. Arnold gave to me. I can't say enough wonderful things about this great attorney! I only wish I had found him a few years ago, but am so very glad that I found him now to help me with my case.
Thank you Thurman Arnold!
Sheri D., Second Opinion Client, Los Angeles, CA
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"I have been an avid reader of your blog for the almost five years since my divorce process began. In fact, I emailed you in the past and asked you to suggest a charity to which I could donate as a way of expressing my gratitude. (I wound up making a donation to one of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.)
Having run out of money, I have been representing myself for about two years. The current issue before the court is the petitioner’s motion for alternate date of valuation filed with regard to my territory as a yearbook representative. I am arguing that I did not own my territory. They argue that I may not have owned the territory, but I had a “book of business” that had value to the community. I was doing very well until he dropped the new case, IRMO Finby. That is the issue about which I need some advice.
I am interested in having a webcam consult with you."
B.B.
Dear Mr. Arnold,
As promised, we have sent a check for $375 as my way of compensating you for your assistance in helping me prepare my case. I faced [my ex-Wife's attorney] in court yesterday, and while the court will be making a written ruling at some future point, it was clear from the questions asked by the bench that my arguments were persuasive.
The highlight of the day came when I prefaced a statement with, “While I have never attended law school.” The court interrupted me, saying, “Seriously? You really have never been to law school?” He then went on to say that in his more than ten year career on the bench, I was by far the best Pro Per he had ever seen. Much of that compliment belongs to you.
Thanks again,
B.B."
"I had a very pleasant experience seeking a second opinion from Mr. Arnold. He did some legal research and very quickly he was able to send me information that made me immediately feel confident in my case. He is quite knowledgable, informative and gave me useful and creative advice which quickly cleared my anxiety and concern. I had little knowledge about the legal system and confidence in my case initially, he gave me strong support and made me feel positive during my whole case. I was almost driven crazy by the unreasonable opposing party in previous proceedings, however after talking with Mr. Arnold, I was never afraid. He understands my anxiety and responds my email pretty fast, gave me excellent ideas and never kept me alone waiting worriedly. He has many good qualities which are very rare among many attorneys, caring and understanding, honest and truly help with your concern, and he offers practical opinions. I am very grateful for his willingless to help and share and would highly recommend his second opinion service to anyone without hesitation. They truly help!"
Natalie Z., Japan
"I sought a second opinion from Thurman Arnold, as I felt like I needed some assurances about what my current lawyer was doing with my case, and I also needed advice. In one hour, Mr. Arnold provided me with a legal strategy and more specific advice than my current lawyer has provided me with (and billed me for) over the course of the past 3 weeks. I will continue to seek backup advice and strategy assistance from Mr. Arnold. I would have hired him as my primary attorney immediately, but for the fact that I live in a different city. When it comes to family law matters, expertise, experience and knowledge is critical. He is well worth the money."
JR, San Diego, CA
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"I decided to go take on my child support modification case without the assistance of an attorney until 3 weeks had passed and I had more questions without answers than I began with. Then on a Saturday I caved in and wrote Mr. Arnold about my case and issues I was having with the legal procedures. To my surprise, he responded within 30 minutes that same day with a detailed 10 paragraph response answering all of my very specific questions. Mr. Arnold has since continued to offer his expertise on my seemingly never ending Family Law issues and while I wouldn't tell people not to try and handle their case alone because it can be rewarding, I would definitely recommend Thurman Arnold if you find yourself in over your head. Thanks again!"
Dora M., San Francisco, CA
It always helps me as a Family Court Judge when self-represented litigants (or represented litigants, for that matter) have some understanding of the reasons I may decide their cases as I do. It is thoughtful, informative websites such as yours that helps with that process, providing a valuable 'pro bono' service to the community.
Good job!"
A northern California Family Court Judge
To see what others have said about the Arnold Law Firm's commitment and expertise, click here.

Testimonials & Endorsements
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“If you are going through a divorce, The Law Offices of Arnold, Peterson & Criste is in my opinion the best option available. Mr. Peterson and his assistant Jordyn are top notch. Not only is Mr. ...”
- Josh Arguijo -
“I am a Veteran and Retired Deputy Sheriff. My divorce involved complicated property distribution and spousal support issues. I spent considerable time looking for the best Counsel I could find before ...”
- Jeff Jones -
“I recently had the pleasure of speaking directly with Mr. Thurman regarding my pending Dissolution of Marriage. While researching legal issue I came across his Family Law Blog multiple times and ...”
- Marc Rittner -
“Needed to modify a settlement and hired Mike Peterson. Mike is very, very knowledgeable and experienced. When you are going through a divorce or child custody issues, it is the most terrifying and ...”
- Donika McKelvie -
“Micheal Peterson is very knowledgeable of law and can help you make the best decisions for your family. He does is job with integrity. He helps with giving discounts when he can . I would highly ...”
- Vincent Hall