
Contested Divorce in California's South Bay
Skilled Legal Representation from Torrance Divorce Lawyers
If there are unresolved issues complicating your California marriage dissolution - such as a disagreement over property division, debt division, alimony payments, or child custody - you and your spouse may decide to take these matters to family court. In these cases, a judge will determine a resolution to your case. Remember, until these issues are settled, you will not be able to finalize your divorce. Our firm has extensive experience helping couples through high conflict divorce and family law cases, helping clients arrive at favorable outcomes.
California was the first state in the U.S. to adopt no-fault divorce laws, which allow any man or woman who desires to end their marriage to do so without having to prove that their spouse broke their marriage vows or caused the relationship to fall apart. They need only cite "irreconcilable differences" or an "irremediable breakdown" of the marriage. These laws were designed to make the divorce process more civil and straightforward.
In an uncontested divorce - in which the couple is able to agree on the terms of their marriage dissolution and file divorce papers together -the process is comparatively simple. In a contested divorce, however, the process could be much more drawn-out and difficult and may involve an appearance in court or the need for legal mediation. This is often the case in high-asset divorces or those that involve spousal support or child support payments.
Face Your Contested Divorce with Strong Legal Support
If you are unable to come to an agreement with your spouse regarding one or more matters pertaining to your divorce, but you wish to avoid a court trial, call a Torrance divorce attorney at our firm today. Colleen and Patricia Barberis have 70 combined years of experience. Our firm was founded in 1977, and since that time we have been able to help men and women throughout Torrance and California's greater South Bay region find resolution to a variety of family law disputes.
Our firm may be able to help you avoid a court trial through the process of mediation. With the guidance of a competent and informed family lawyer, you may be able to utilize out-of-court negotiation and settlement to find a satisfactory compromise that allows you and your family to avoid the emotionally and financially draining litigation process. If your spouse is uncooperative, however, our attorneys will be ready and eager to help you achieve the resolution you need and deserve through aggressive courtroom advocacy. We will go the extra mile to make sure that your interests are represented before a California judge and your rights protected in a contested divorce.
Call Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation today!
If you are dealing with a divorce that is complicated by unresolved issues, you need legal counsel to make sure that you are not being taken advantage of and that you are fully provided for under the law. Call Colleen and Patricia Barberis of Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation today for the stalwart attorney representation you need during this difficult process. Our experienced attorneys will do everything in our power to reduce your stress, keep you informed, and ensure that your interests are pursued.
Call our Torrance law firm today at (310) 904-6648 to set up a time to meet with us and learn more about how we can help you face a California contested divorce.
What Sets Us Apart
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Trusted by Generations of FamiliesOur reputation for integrity and excellence has made us a go-to firm for families across Los Angeles County for nearly five decades.
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Tenacious & CompassionateWe fiercely advocate for our clients while offering the empathy and support needed during life’s most challenging moments.
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70 Years of Combined ExperienceWith decades of trusted legal service in the South Bay, we bring deep knowledge and proven results to the most complex family law matters.
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Mother & Daughter Legal TeamBenefit from the strength and synergy of a family-led team that brings a personal, united approach to every case.

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Meet Pat & ColleenDiscover the experience and dedication behind our trusted mother–daughter legal team.
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TestimonialsHear directly from clients who’ve trusted us to guide them through family law challenges.
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FAQFind straightforward answers to the most common family law and divorce questions.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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Joseph R.
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
