Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Mental Illness
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Mental Illness and Child Custody
A Caring Torrance Attorney Protecting You and Your Child
One of the last things that might come to your mind when thinking about child custody is mental illness. But for families who struggle with this condition, it is a very real concern. You may feel that your former spouse suffers from some form of mental illness and believe that this invalidates their rights to custody. Proving mental illness in your child custody case can be hard to detect, and seeking counsel can help. If you suspect your child may be struggling, it is time to get legal help from a South Bay child custody lawyer.
It can be difficult to protect both your rights and your child’s rights. Fortunately, this is what our firm and our Torrance child custody lawyers are trained to do. We have the skills and experience necessary to walk with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns as they arise. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to entrust the future of your family to just anybody. Rest assured in our capable hands.
Are you concerned about mental illness and child custody, contact us now to discuss your case! We are an essential business and we are fully functioning at this time.
How Can I Prove that Mental Illness Is a Legitimate Concern?
In all child custody cases, the court is required to determine whether both parents are capable of caring for the child. This evaluation comprises financial, emotional, and physical considerations. Factors such as mental illness can cause the court to label a parent unequipped and result in lost custody privileges.
Should you suspect that mental illness is a problem for your spouse, you and your attorney can raise issues that may point to this realization. Proof of the following factors can all work in your favor:
That your spouse lacks the responsibility to care for a child
That your spouse has a history of mental illness
The more clearly you prove these issues, the better your chances of receiving a favorable custody decision. An attorney can help you prepare your case and actively fight for what you deserve while in court.
Can a Bipolar Parent Get Custody?
The court will always examine multiple factors that will determine what is in the best interests of the child. Many times, bipolar isn't singled out as the primary factor of not obtaining custody because it doesn't consistently distort reality. As with many cases, a court will analyze the mental health of both parents regardless.
Does PTSD Affect Child Custody?
If you are currently battling for custody, the other party may be using your PTSD against you. While this may seem scary and hopeless, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will lose the trial. If you are actively seeking treatment, this can further help your case. Once again, the court will evaluate your mental health and determine whether the child's best interests are affected.
Helping You Prove Mental Illness in Child Custody Cases
When it all comes down to it, child custody is about the relationship you have with your child. A spouse with mental illness can negatively impact this and cause permanent relational problems within your family. By retaining a dedicated legal advocate, you may be able to minimize much of these problems.
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.
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