Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Parental Rights
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Torrance Parental Rights Lawyer
South Bay Family Law Representation Since 1977
Parental rights cases in Torrance are heard in the family law departments of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, and the procedures, standards, and judicial culture there reward attorneys who know the local landscape. Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation has practiced family law in the South Bay since 1977, and both Patricia and Colleen Barberis have spent their careers handling custody, visitation, and parental rights matters for families throughout Torrance and the surrounding communities.
California law defines parental rights broadly: the legal right to custody, visitation, and meaningful participation in decisions about a child’s education, health care, and upbringing. Every determination turns on the best interests of the child standard, a flexible legal test that requires courts to weigh each parent’s circumstances carefully. When those circumstances are contested, the quality of your representation matters.
Your parental rights deserve an advocate who has spent decades inside these courtrooms. Call our Torrance parental rights attorneys today at (310) 904-6648 to schedule a consultation.
Why Torrance Parents Choose Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation
Patricia Barberis holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest available rating for legal ability and ethical standards, and the firm holds a Superb rating on Avvo. Together, Patricia and Colleen bring 70 years of combined family law experience to every case they handle.
Patricia Barberis
Patricia’s background sets her apart in parental rights litigation. She served as judge pro tempore, arbitrator, and mediator for Los Angeles County Courts and was a founding officer of the South Bay Women’s Bar Association. Her background as a registered nurse gives her an informed lens for evaluating medical testimony and expert opinions in custody proceedings, a distinction that can be meaningful when a case involves health-related disputes or contested evaluations.
Colleen Barberis
Colleen Barberis is a trained Minor’s Counsel, a court-appointed role in which an attorney represents the child’s interests directly rather than either parent’s position. Before joining the firm in 1997, she worked at County Counsel Children’s Dependency Court, gaining firsthand experience with how the court system assesses a child’s welfare. That background shapes her approach to every parental rights matter she handles.
Our Commitment to Communication
We answer all client emails within 12 hours. Parental rights disputes move quickly, and Colleen and Patricia keep clients informed at every stage so decisions can be made with a clear picture of where things stand.
Parental Rights Services in Torrance
California distinguishes between legal custody, the authority to make decisions about a child’s education, health care, and upbringing, and physical custody, where the child actually lives. Parenting plans address both, and the terms of those plans shape daily family life for years. We handle the full range of parental rights matters that arise from those distinctions.
Our representation covers:
Custody Arrangements: We work to establish and enforce custody terms that reflect the child’s genuine best interests and protect your role as a parent.
Visitation Rights: We advocate for parenting schedules that keep both parents meaningfully involved in the child’s life.
Decision-Making Authority: We help clarify and protect your rights to participate in decisions about education, medical care, and upbringing.
Modification of Existing Orders: When circumstances change significantly, such as a relocation, shift in employment, or change in the child’s needs, we pursue modifications that reflect the new reality.
Parental Alienation Matters: When one parent works to damage a child’s relationship with the other, courts can intervene. We document and present the evidence that can support that intervention.
In complex matters, Patricia is recognized for her ability to cross-examine forensic accountants, forensic psychologists, and custody evaluators. Colleen brings comparable experience working with forensic experts in property valuation, support, and custody cases. Where amicable resolution is possible, we pursue it. Where litigation is necessary, both attorneys are prepared to see it through.
FAQs on Parental Rights in Torrance
What Are My Parental Rights in Torrance?
California parental rights include the right to custody, visitation, and participation in decisions about your child’s welfare. Courts apply the best interests of the child standard and generally favor arrangements that keep both parents actively involved, provided that involvement doesn’t create risk for the child. Your specific rights depend on your circumstances, your existing orders, and how the court weighs the relevant factors.
How Can I Modify a Custody or Visitation Order?
Modifying a custody or visitation order in California requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Courts look at things like relocations, changes in employment, shifts in the child’s needs, or safety concerns. The bar is intentional: orders are meant to provide stability. When genuine change exists, the process can move forward.
How Is Child Support Determined Alongside Parental Rights?
California uses a standardized formula that factors in each parent’s income and the percentage of time each parent spends with the child. Because parenting time directly affects the support calculation, custody arrangements and support are closely linked. Changes to one often affect the other, which is why it’s worth understanding both together when negotiating or modifying a parenting plan.
What Happens in Cases of Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent systematically works to damage the child’s relationship with the other. California courts treat it seriously. With documented evidence, courts can order counseling, modify custody arrangements, or take other steps to protect the child’s relationship with both parents. The key is building a clear, credible factual record.
What Should I Do If My Parental Rights Are Challenged?
Act quickly and get legal counsel involved early. At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we undertake a detailed review of your circumstances when parental rights are at risk, then map out the options available under California law. The earlier we can assess the situation, the more room there is to respond strategically rather than reactively.
Speak with a Parental Rights Attorney in Torrance
When your relationship with your child is at stake, you need attorneys who know the Los Angeles County Superior Court family law departments, have stood in those courtrooms, and understand how these cases are decided. Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation has served Torrance and South Bay families since 1977, and Colleen and Patricia bring 70 years of combined family law experience to every case.
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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