Strong, Tenacious Advocates
Mother & Daughter Legal Team
If you need an experienced divorce and family law lawyer with extensive court experience and expertise in settlement negotiations, call us – we can help.
Family Law Firm Serving South Bay, Long Beach & Los Angeles County Residents Since 1977
Over the course of 70 years of combined experience in California divorce law, family law attorneys Colleen and Patricia Barberis have earned the respect and trust of countless families in South Bay, Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Our firm handles all aspects of divorce, family law, custody, support, property division, business valuations.
We understand the confusion and stress you may be going through at this time and we are ready to stand beside you with the compassionate counsel and tenacious advocacy you deserve. Our firm has served the South Bay since 1977, providing trustworthy legal help to families facing a variety of different disputes in the area of family law such as child custody, spousal and child support matters, property division, and more. We have earned the respect of our peers and the appreciation of our clients, as evidenced by accolades such as the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and the Superb rating on Avvo.
I couldn't have chosen a better law team to represent my family and me. Everyone in the office treats us with love and care, ensuring that I understand everything that is happening. You are a wonderful, loyal person, and you are also an excellent, caring, and highly professional lawyer. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all you have done. I did not want the day to pass without thanking you again for your work today.
Mikki D.
“I thank them for their excellence”
Pat, Colleen, and the team helped me through a very difficult custody issue many years ago, so I called them again when I needed to divorce. I thank them for their excellence, efficiency, and a successful settlement!
Shireen C.
“Colleen was by my side”
Divorce can be very difficult, expensive and stressful. You need someone to talk to that could lead you in the right direction when you’re ready. Colleen was the right person to do that. She and Pat Barberis are the team that made me feel protected when I was the most vulnerable early in the divorce process. They were patient with me and Colleen was by my side in court when I really needed in person representation before the court.
C.D.
“I would strongly recommend Pat”
Pat helped me with my divorce, which was a difficult time for me. She was fantastic, helping me through the whole process. She worked very hard to ensure it was as positive an outcome for me as possible.
When I turned to her for some legal advice just recently, several years after my divorce, I was able to set up a consultation with her that same day. She worked through the situation with me, understanding it and providing me with options that could be pursued, and giving me very solid advice. I would never hesitate to engage her again if the need arose. I would strongly recommend Pat for any family law needs you might have.
Joseph R.
“Pat Barberis is fabulous!”
Pat helped me with my divorce previously, which was a very difficult time for me. She was fantastic, helping me through the whole process. She worked very hard to ensure it was as positive an outcome for me as possible. When I turned to her for some legal advice just recently, several years after my divorce, I was able to set up a consultation with her that same day. She worked through the situation with me, understanding the it and providing me with options that could be pursued, and giving me very solid advice. I would never hesitate to engage her again if the need arose. I would strongly recommend Pat for any family law needs you might have.
Joe
“Thank you so much”
Pat did a phenomenal job throughout my high conflict divorce. She will communicate all your options to you, she will advocate for you and fight for you, and she is so knowledgeable--her amount of expertise will put your mind at ease. She would be so prompt with all communications that if I ever had a question she would even respond to me after hours or on the weekends if needed (which I was super impressed with and it was much appreciated). Her team (which includes Colleen Barberis) and all of the office staff were incredible throughout the divorce and I will be forever grateful to them for getting me to the finish line with this divorce. I walked away with an incredible settlement and had a great outcome because of all their hard work. Thank you so much Pat, Colleen, and office staff!!
Liz L
“I would recommend them to everyone.”
Patricia and Colleen and their helpful office staff were a full service team who helped support me and get me through my family court battles. They were quick to respond and helpful. I would recommend them to everyone.
Sarah T.
“They are wonderful people and are extremely knowledgeable.”
I have had the best representation and experience with the law team of Patricia Barberis. I have had the pleasure of using them twice. They do a great job. Patricia Colleen and everyone in the office is super helpful and very talented in what they do. Their understanding of family law is amazing. Patricia and her team were very kind and patient with me in difficult times and circumstances. The last one was during the Pandemic late last year and they did an A+ job. Patricia’s guidance was super helpful and her paralegal Nancy did a fantastic job too. I highly recommend Patricia Barberis Law Firm for all family law matters. They are wonderful people and are extremely knowledgeable.
With a single-minded focus on family law, we feel equipped to handle even the most challenging cases. Our past results show that we have what it takes to deliver successful results when our clients need them most. You can feel confident entrusting your case to our firm.
Every divorce is different and our firm wants to pursue the right strategy for your unique circumstances. If litigation is the direction you and your spouse seem to be headed in, you need strong legal support on your side.
We are committed to pursuing the rights and interests of our clients. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are prepared to serve as the aggressive advocates you need in order to achieve a satisfactory resolution to your divorce or complex family law litigation issue.
If you are facing the possibility of divorce or separation, it is never too early to ensure that your assets and interests are properly safeguarded throughout the process. The sooner you obtain legal representation, the more quickly you can obtain peace of mind as your divorce progresses. Our firm wants to help you achieve the favorable resolution you desire and is prepared to work tirelessly to do so on your behalf.
We use every legal avenue and option necessary to achieve the results you need and deserve. Family law affects the most important parts of your life, so don't trust just anyone with your defense. By retaining an attorney from Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, you can be confident that your case will be in good hands.
We Work with the Best
We are accustomed to working with forensic accountants and appraisers to value professional practices and businesses, to trace assets and to determine the community interest in separate property. We work with the forensic accountants we retain, and vigorously oppose and cross examine the other party's forensic accountant. We go beyond the tax returns with the accountants to examine the personal and financial records of the party and the business records to see if personal expenses are paid from the business which need to be added back to the declared income of the self-employed.
We also use the services of a private judge in many complex child custody or high asset cases, because this option provides a higher degree of privacy, and we get the judge's undivided attention. Working with a private judge also reduces stress because it is in the attorney's office, and the case can take far less time to complete.
Don't hesitate to contact our firmtoday to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose Us?
Trial-tested family law attorneys delivering expert strategy and courtroom strength when it matters most.
Our reputation for integrity and excellence has made us a go-to firm for families across Los Angeles County for nearly five decades.
Tenacious & Compassionate
We fiercely advocate for our clients while offering the empathy and support needed during life’s most challenging moments.
70 Years of Combined Experience
With decades of trusted legal service in the South Bay, we bring deep knowledge and proven results to the most complex family law matters.
Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Benefit from the strength and synergy of a family-led team that brings a personal, united approach to every case.
Work With An Experienced & Dedicated Team
Our firm maintains a widespread reputation for high ethical and professional standards. We are a hands-on team dedicated to understanding every aspect of each case we accept and to crafting a strategy with each client that is tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Colleen Barberis: Attorney Colleen Barberis has the divorce and family law and experience you need. She previously worked at the County Counsel Children's Dependency Court before joining our firm. After joining the firm, she later became a certified minor's counsel, serving children in a variety of capacities. Colleen's strength, integrity and strong advocacy in divorce and family law issues has made her very well respected. She has 25 years of experience fighting for and protecting the rights of her clients in difficult and high conflict cases.
Patricia Barberis: Our firm's founding attorney, Patricia Barberis, was a founding officer and member of the South Bay Women's Bar Association, and one of the first female litigators to practice in South Bay. She has served in local courts as Judge Pro Tempore and in mediator capacities.
One of the most heated topics during a divorce is child custody. Our firm’s attorneys understand how important your children are to you, and we are prepared to do everything within our power to help you protect your right to maintain an active presence in their lives.
No matter how complex your situation may be, we are fully equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide you through this difficult time and advocate for a desirable result on your behalf.
We can handle child custody cases involving the following issues:
Custody issues are rarely simple, and they often take a hefty emotional toll on the involved parties. Ensuring the well-being of your child is our top priority, and we are willing to go the distance to preserve their safety and happiness.
Through a thorough examination of all applicable laws and strategic negotiations with the other parent, we can help you pursue an amicable resolution to your custody dispute and defend your parental rights.
At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, Colleen & Patricia always keep the lines of communication open. We are a client-centered firm, and our clients know of our commitment to availability. Our clients come to us from every walk of life and from locations throughout South Bay, Los Angeles, Orange County, and other parts of California.
From day one, we will discuss your immediate and future goals and work together to formulate a plan that will ensure your interests are protected. We will defend your rights and use every legal avenue and option necessary to achieve the results you need and deserve. Family law affects the most important parts of your life, so don't trust just anyone with your defense. By retaining an attorney from Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, you can be confident that your case will be in good hands.
The California family law system is complex, but our South Bay divorce attorneys can help you successfully navigate the legal difficulties facing you. There is no reason to hesitate consulting a legal professional for answers to your questions.
Call our Torrance divorce lawyers today at (310) 904-6648 for the compassionate and helpful advice you need and to experience the benefit of our devotion to staunch and effective courtroom advocacy. We will pursue your best interests and stand beside you from beginning to end.
How can I protect myself and my children in a domestic violence situation?
If you are the victim of abuse, it is important that you take immediate action. You can request a restraining order to ensure that your spouse or partner faces serious consequences if they come within a certain distance of your family or your home. Restraining orders can also include other requirements that a judge may approve. For example, the orders could require your spouse to pay child support, attend anger-management classes, refrain from owning a gun, and more. If you and your children are in danger due to domestic violence, please don't hesitate to get help. Act now by calling our South Bay law firm to find out how you can take steps to get your family out of harm's way. Our caring and compassionate legal staff is here to ensure that you receive the legal shelter you and your children deserve.
Is it possible to change current child support or spousal support orders?
Yes. California uses a complex formula to calculate the amount and frequency of child support payments that will be required in each individual case. This formula takes into account a number of factors, including the income of both parents and how much time the child spends with them. On the other hand, spousal support is calculated on a case-by-case basis. There is no specific mathematical formula, but rather the court will examine 14 different considerations established by the state legislature. In some instances, alimony payments are temporary, while in others they may be permanent. It is possible to change court decrees if your circumstances require it. Speak to a lawyer at our firm if you have questions about modifying existing orders.
What should I do if my child's other parent has visitation rights but I believe their home is unsafe?
If your child's safety or health is in danger due to drug or alcohol abuse or another unsafe situation in the other parent's home, it is important to take actions right away to protect your child. You can request immediate temporary orders by filing an emergency or "ex parte" order to show cause (FL-300). Call our South Bay child custody lawyers for help.
A default judgment was obtained against me but I never received divorce papers. What should I do?
If you never received a summons / petition for dissolution, you do have legal options in place to protect your interests. You can file a motion to set aside the default judgment. Get legal help from an experienced divorce lawyer at our firm to learn more about this process.
I served my spouse with divorce papers and there has been no response. What now?
If it has been 30 days or more since you served the summons and petition and there has still been no written response, you can pursue a default judgment (FL-180). You may also be able to obtain a stipulated judgment or marital settlement agreement. Call our Torrance divorce lawyers to learn more.
