Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation Serving Torrance
Mother & Daughter Legal Team
High Conflict Cases
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
High Conflict Divorce & Family Law
Litigation-Ready Family Law Attorneys Serving Torrance Since 1977
High conflict cases are those where parties can’t reach agreement and disputes persist across custody, property, support, or domestic violence issues, making court intervention necessary. If you’re past the point of hoping mediation will work and need an attorney prepared to take your case to trial, that’s the work we do. Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation has focused on family law in the South Bay since 1977, and our combined 70 years of experience includes some of the most contested matters in the region.
Patricia and Colleen Barberis bring litigation-tested courtroom experience to every high-conflict matter we handle in Torrance and throughout Los Angeles County. Our firm holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Superb rating on Avvo, reflecting peer recognition and client trust built over nearly five decades in practice.
Not every contested divorce rises to the level of high conflict, but when it does, the stakes are significantly higher. These matters often involve sustained disagreement, accusations of bad faith, allegations of parental alienation, or safety concerns that can require emergency protective orders. When parties can’t settle privately, the case proceeds to a family law trial where a judge resolves the disputed issues.
We handle high-conflict family law matters across a full range of issues:
In California, high-conflict custody cases may require court-ordered custody evaluations, and a judge can appoint minor’s counsel to represent a child’s interests independently from either parent. For cases involving disputed business interests or hidden assets, we work with forensic accountants to document and value marital property accurately before trial.
Mediation First, Litigation When Necessary
We offer mediation to help clients in contested matters reach agreement where possible. Resolving a case outside of court can save time, reduce cost, and keep sensitive family matters private. We pursue that path seriously when it’s available.
But some cases don’t settle. When private resolution isn’t possible, both Patricia and Colleen Barberis are prepared to represent you at trial. High-conflict cases in Torrance are heard at the Torrance Courthouse, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Southwest District, which has dedicated family law departments and Family Court Services providing on-site mediation and custody evaluations. We know that courthouse and its procedures well.
Why Clients in Torrance Choose Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation
The credentials that matter most in a high-conflict case are specific: courtroom experience, familiarity with the local bench, and a background handling the issues that make these matters complicated. Our firm brings all three.
Before joining the firm, Colleen worked at LA County Counsel’s Children’s Dependency Court, handling contested custody proceedings at the county level. After joining Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, she became a certified minor’s counsel and has served children directly in high-conflict custody matters. That background is directly applicable when a case involves serious allegations about a parent’s fitness, parental alienation, or the court’s appointment of independent counsel for a child.
Patricia was a founding officer and member of the South Bay Women’s Bar Association and one of the first female litigators to practice in the South Bay. Her service as Judge Pro Tempore in local courts shapes how she builds and presents cases. She understands the standard judges apply when evaluating credibility and evidence in family law trials, and she uses that perspective in representing her clients.
A Mother-Daughter Team with Unified Strategy
Our clients work with both Patricia and Colleen throughout their matter. There are no rotating associates and no hand-offs. The continuity of a two-attorney mother-daughter practice means the strategy built at the start of your case carries through to its resolution, and for high-conflict matters that span months or years, that consistency matters.
Nearly Five Decades of South Bay Presence
Our firm’s presence in the South Bay since 1977 reflects relationships, familiarity, and local court knowledge that can’t be replicated by firms without that history. We know what high-conflict cases in Torrance and Los Angeles County look like from start to finish, and we’re prepared to represent clients through that process.
If you are dealing with a high conflict divorce in the Torrance area, turn to our experienced and tenacious team at Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation. Send a message online to get started, or call us at (310) 904-6648.
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.
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.
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