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

Child Custody Living Conditions

Don’t Let Your Child Suffer – Turn to Our Firm

As a parent, providing for your child is simply second nature. But what happens when your ex fails to do the same after a divorce? If you are concerned that your child is suffering 

Abused Child

from poor living conditions as a result of a recent custody order, you do not have to simply sit by and watch. The best way to protect your child is by retaining a child custody attorney from Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation.

We have been representing South Bay families since 1977, bringing 70 years of shared experience to every case. As passionate advocates for the rights of our clients, we can be trusted with the details of your case. Your child’s safety is on the line – the time to act is now.

Tell us about your case by filling out an online evaluation form.

What Is Considered Unsafe Living Conditions for a Child?

Unsafe living conditions for a child include any type of abuse or neglect. A court will want to see actual proof of your claims and not having evidence can work against you.

Our firm can help you identify what is considered a poor living condition. It is important to separate your emotions from legitimate concerns before making claims of unfit living conditions.

Evidence of the following may be enough for a judge to look into your concerns:

  • Abuse: It's important that your child is free from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. If there's evidence of physical abuse, such as bruises or a serious injury; evidence of emotional abuse, such as threats or failure to display any signs of love; or evidence of sexual abuse, these are all qualifiers of a poor living condition for a child.
  • Neglect: This is the most common type of child maltreatment in the United States. Chronic child neglect is defined as the ongoing deprival of a child's basic needs for proper growth and development. It is broken down into four main categories:
    • Physical neglect: This occurs when a child is deprived of food, clothing, proper shelter, and/or the child is not properly or thoroughly supervised
    • Medical neglect: It's important that a child receives proper medical care, including mental health treatment if necessary. Failure to provide a child with this necessary care is considered medical neglect.
    • Educational neglect: It is necessary that a child receives proper education, and this includes proper placement into special education classes or activities in the best interests of the child. Failure to provide a child with proper education is considered educational neglect.
    • Emotional neglect: Just as a child's physical wellbeing is important, their emotional wellbeing is equally as important. Failure to provide for a child's emotional needs and provide adequate psychosocial support constitutes emotional neglect. Additionally, allowing a child to improperly cope with their emotional issues via drug or alcohol use is also considered emotional neglect.

Parents are expected to act in the best interests of the child and subjecting them to poor or unsafe living conditions falls far below this expectation. When the health of your child is at risk, you have the right to speak up. We are here for you when you do.

How to Prove an Unsafe Environment for a Child

Every circumstance is unique, and some may require additional or different steps from the examples we have listed. You can generally follow these basic steps to prove an unsafe environment for a child:

  1. Keep records of any specific incidents or behaviors that suggest the child might be in danger. This could include verbal abuse or physical harm.
  2. Observe the child's environment to identify any safety hazards such as the absence of locks, childproofing mechanisms, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or other dangerous items.
  3. Take pictures or videos of any safety hazards in the child's environment.
  4. Gather any other evidence, such as police reports or medical records, related to incidents or injuries that suggest an unsafe environment.
  5. Obtain statements from witnesses who can corroborate your claims about the unsafe environment.
  6. Consider hiring a professional evaluator, such as a therapist or a child custody evaluator, to provide an independent assessment of the environment and any potential risks to the child.
  7. Take legal action. If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, consider contacting your local child protective services or law enforcement agency.

If you are in a custody dispute or contested divorce, consult with an experienced South Bay family law attorney who can help you take legal action to ensure the safety of the child.

South Bay Child Custody Lawyers Who Put You First

When you work with our firm, you can expect timely responses to your questions and close involvement throughout your case. We strive to update our clients with changes as they occur, always keeping you in the loop every step of the way. Nothing is more important than your child and we honor that in how we handle your case.

For the most comprehensive legal support and counsel, contact 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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