Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Torrance Domestic Violence Attorneys
Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders in Torrance
Domestic violence charges are extremely serious. Whether you are the victim of domestic abuse or if you have been accused of violence or neglect in your home, you need to get tough legal representation on your side to ensure that your rights and interests are protected in a court of law. Our firm has served clients throughout California's South Bay, and we are prepared to help you address your unique situation with fierce courtroom advocacy and caring client communication. If you need assistance, consider reaching out to our South Bay family lawyer.
How Domestic Violence Affects a Family Law Case
If you've been the victim of domestic violence, we are prepared to provide you with the counsel and advocacy you need to achieve resolution and put an end to a dangerous situation. We can review your case and help you take the immediate steps necessary to protect yourself and your children. Together, we can help you find appropriate counseling and explore resources including medical treatment and shelters.
The legal definition of domestic violence is when someone you live with, had a child with, or are related to by blood or marriage, including your spouse - either current or former - or your boyfriend or girlfriend causes you harm. These are some of the actions that the state of California considers to be abusive or violent:
Infliction of physical injury
Attempts to inflict physical injury
Threats that you or another person are in physical danger
Molestation
Stalking
Sexual attacks
Destruction of property
Disturbed peace
Harassment, either in person or via phone or other communication methods
You deserve reliable, compassionate legal defense after an ordeal like this. Don't ignore the gravity of an abusive situation: Take steps to protect yourself and your children right away by retaining a South Bay family lawyer who can help you make the right decisions during this time and inform you of all your options. At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we can work with you to establish a case by collecting medical records, phone records, texts, emails, and other pieces of evidence that demonstrate the imminent threat to your family's safety.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence or have reason to fear abuse or violent treatment on the part of your spouse, significant other, a family member or even a roommate, reach out to obtain a domestic violence restraining order. With an order of protection in place, you will be able to experience a degree of relief in knowing that the abuser is legally prohibited from contacting you or coming anywhere near you. He or she will have to surrender possession of the shared home to you, you can secure temporary child custody and perhaps support payments, and the abuser will be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Types of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
If you have been victimized in your home you need to get legal help as quickly as possible. It may be necessary for you to pursue a domestic violence restraining order. In many cases, a California court will grant a restraining order to a victim of domestic abuse who has been recently abused or who is in "fear of an imminent threat." There are three types of restraining orders that apply to domestic violence situations:
Emergency protective order: These can be issued by a judge at any time and will go into effect immediately. For example, a police officer responding to a 911 call can request an emergency protection order for the victim at any time of the day or night. These orders last no longer than five business days or seven calendar days - enough time to allow you to go to court and apply for a formal restraining order.
Temporary (ex parte) restraining order: When you go to court to set up a hearing, you can request a temporary restraining order that will last until your hearing date - usually under three weeks.
Domestic violence restraining order: After your hearing the judge may issue you a formal domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) offering you long-term legal protection from an abusive perpetrator.
A restraining order grants you and your children legal protection from an abusive individual. These orders ensure that the abuser will face criminal repercussions if he or she attempts to come within a certain distance of you and your family members. These orders can also include terms that require the abuser to pay child support, spousal support or certain debts; grant you the full care of any children and animals in the home; grant you ownership of certain shared items; prohibit the abuser from owning a gun; require the abuser to pay your attorney fees; require the abuse to attend counseling or treatment classes; or any other request you make that the judge consents to include.
Custody and Support Orders Influenced by Domestic Violence Allegations
Accusations of domestic violence can lead to severe consequences. You could face a restraining order and lose your rights to custody of your children or even be banned from entering your home. You should take legal action immediately to make sure that your rights are guarded if you have been falsely accused of abuse or neglect in your home. Our divorce lawyers know how to build you a strong defense case by looking at the evidence in your case and working with experts and witnesses to ensure that justice is assured and your rights are protected. We are prepared to defend you and ensure that you do not lose your parental rights and your freedom because of erroneous or trumped-up charges.
Unfortunately, the process of obtaining a domestic violence restraining order is not as simple as it might be. Many people who go to court in an attempt to secure an order are denied in their requests, while in other cases a temporary order is overturned when it ought to be extended and converted into a permanent order. You have too much at stake in the situation to take any chances with the outcome, and it is in your best interests to work with an experienced Torrance divorce lawyer.
Let our team of legal professionals stand between you and the dangerous situation you face. Whether you are dealing with an unjust domestic violence charge, or you are the victim of genuine abuse and need an immediate resolution, you should not wait another second to get the legal help you and your children deserve. At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we are committed to the best interests of our clients. With 70 years of combined experience, our team has a reputation as skilled trial lawyers who go the extra mile in defense of every client.
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.
