Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Domestic Violence & Child Custody
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Domestic Violence & Child Custody Cases in Torrance
We Fight Aggressively for Our Clients in The South Bay
If one parent has a history of domestic violence, it can significantly impact the outcome of a child custody case. Before making a final decision, the court reviews multiple factors that influence the custody order. Retain a child custody attorney if your former spouse has committed domestic violence or if you face allegations of domestic violence.
You know what is best for your child, and our firm pursues the best possible outcome for you. We are tough litigators when needed and treat every client with respect and compassion. Choose Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, for comprehensive representation in Torrance and South Bay.
Call (310) 904-6648 to discuss your case with a firm with 70 years of combined legal experience in Torrance.
Domestic Violence & Its Effect on the Accused Parent
Domestic violence may include physical, emotional, or mental abuse against another family member. Hitting, scaring, or threatening someone can be considered domestic violence. The court reviews both past convictions and current evidence to determine if custody arrangements should be affected by these actions.
Courts now grant restraining orders more frequently, and the terms can be harsh:
Preventing the abuser from receiving spousal support
Many parents use restraining orders to block the custodial rights of the other parent and seek more child support. However, before denying custody, the court looks at several different factors.
Custody may still be awarded to the offending parent if they:
Have completed a 52-week batterer’s program
Have not committed any other domestic violence
Have obeyed all court orders
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the court decide custody in domestic violence cases?
The court reviews the details of each case, considers any history of abuse, and puts the child’s safety first. Police reports, protective orders, and court testimony can all affect the custody order.
Can a parent accused of domestic violence ever get custody?
Court-ordered programs, full compliance with court rules, and proof of positive change can allow parents to regain partial or supervised custody. Judges make the decision based on what is in the child’s best interest.
Where are child custody and domestic violence cases heard in Torrance?
Most family law cases for Torrance residents take place at the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Torrance Courthouse. The court applies California’s Family Code and local rules when making decisions involving children and domestic violence.
How Can a Torrance Child Custody Lawyer Help Me?
Whether you are accused of domestic violence or believe it affects your child’s safety, our firm can help. Our priority is to protect your relationship with your child, so it’s vital to act quickly for the best outcome.
With decades of experience helping Torrance and South Bay families, we know the local courts’ procedures for sensitive issues like restraining orders or temporary custody. We provide guidance on expected timelines and documentation requirements unique to the Torrance court system. Familiarity with local judges and mediators allows us to clarify each step. Our resources and advice come from our long-standing local presence.
We uphold the needs of our clients and aren’t afraid to stand up for their rights in court. Your child deserves the very best, so contact our team right away!
What Sets Us Apart
Trusted by Generations of Families
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.
Meet Pat & Colleen
Discover the experience and dedication behind our trusted mother–daughter legal team.
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.
Meet Pat & ColleenDiscover the experience and dedication behind our trusted mother–daughter legal team.
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