
Domestic Violence & Child Custody Cases
We Fight Aggressively for Our Clients
If one parent has a problem with domestic violence, it can significantly alter the outcome of a child custody case. Before making a final decision, however, the court first considers a number of different factors that can shape the details of the custody order. Do not hesitate to retain a child custody attorney if your former spouse has ever committed domestic violence or if you believe you may be accused of domestic violence.
You know what is best for your child and our firm is committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for you. We are tough litigators when needed, but treat every client with respect and compassion. For the most comprehensive representation in Torrance and South Bay, choose Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation.
Call (310) 904-6648 to discuss your case with a firm with 70 years of combined legal experience.
Domestic Violence & Its Effect on the Accused Parent
Domestic violence can include any form of physical, emotional, or mental abuse against another family member. Hitting, scaring, or threatening someone may all be categorized as domestic violence. The court can look at both past convictions and current evidence to determine if custody arrangements should be affected by this offense.
Custody orders are not the only thing impacted by domestic violence. The accused parent can suffer immensely, from spousal support to employment to child support. It is becoming easier to get a restraining order issued against an alleged abuser and the terms of restraining orders are often very harsh, such as:
- Preventing the abuser from receiving spousal support
- Denying the abuser custody and visitation rights
- Stopping any forms of child support to the abuser
In today’s day and age, parents often use restraining orders as a tool to block custodial rights of the other parent and therefore get more child support. Before denying the right to child custody, however, the court will first look 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
How Can a Torrance Child Custody Lawyer Help Me?
Whether you are the parent being accused or the parent who believes domestic violence is a problem our firm can help. Our priority is to protect your relationship with your child at all costs, so it is imperative that you move quickly to ensure the most favorable outcome.
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
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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.
