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Mother & Daughter Legal Team Neglect & Abuse With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.

Neglect and Abuse in Child Custody Cases

We Can Help Protect Your Rights!

Even under the most normal circumstances, child custody is never the favorite subject for divorcing parents. Factor in additional concerns, like neglect and abuse, and custody arrangements suddenly become a whole different ball game. The court’s job is to uphold the best interests of the child and if one parent has a history of abuse, this can seriously impact the final orders.

This can also make it difficult on you. More than anything, you deserve to know that your child will be taken care of and protected. Our firm is here to represent you and fight for what is best for your family. As Torrance & South Bay child custody lawyers with 70 years of shared experience, you can trust our expertise in handling your case.

If you believe your child is experiencing abuse, contact our office today for legal assistance. 

Recognizing the Various Forms of Child Abuse

Child abuse manifests itself in a number of different ways, but the most common are physical, sexual, and verbal. The victimized child often doesn’t say anything because they don’t want to cause problems or make the situation worse. Unfortunately, this allows the abuse to perpetuate and may even go unnoticed by the court when it comes time to create custody orders.

Child abuse can become apparent in all of the following areas:

  • Physical abuse: occurs when one parent physically harms or injures the child; generally involves unpredictability, anger, and intimidation to force the child to obey
  • Sexual abuse: occurs when one parent takes advantage of the child sexually; can cause the child to feel guilty or embarrassed, therefore preventing them from voicing their feelings
  • Verbal abuse: impacts the child emotionally, due to humiliation, bullying, and belittling; verbal abuse can damage a child permanently

Retaining a lawyer can help ensure that the abusive parent is not given custody of your child, no matter what kind of a front they put up in court. Abuse is serious and should be handled as such.

Family-Oriented Child Custody Attorneys in Torrance

We understand that child custody decisions can be emotionally draining. At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we make every effort to simplify the process as much as possible for you. We can carefully review the circumstances of your case and represent you with determination in court.

Don’t let abuse or neglect become a lifelong problem that your child faces. Partner with our firm for comprehensive support throughout South Bay – get in touch with us today.

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.
  • Testimonials
    Hear directly from clients who’ve trusted us to guide them through family law challenges.
  • FAQ
    Find straightforward answers to the most common family law and divorce questions.
  • “I couldn't have chosen a better law 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.
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  • United States Courts
  • California Bar
  • 10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction
  • 10 Best
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