Torrance Paternity Lawyers

Family-Focused Paternity Representation in Torrance & the South Bay Since 1977

Establishing paternity, legally called parentage in California, determines who holds the rights and responsibilities of fatherhood in the eyes of the law. For the child, it means access to both parents’ names on the birth certificate, financial support, health and life insurance coverage, inheritance rights, and potential eligibility for veterans’ or Social Security benefits. For parents, it defines who can seek custody and visitation, who owes child support, and what each party’s legal standing is before the court.

Parentage cases for Torrance-area families are handled in the Family Law Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court. We’ve practiced before that court since 1977 and represent both mothers and fathers in paternity matters across Torrance and the greater South Bay region.

Either parent may file a paternity action in California. When both parties agree on parentage, a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity can be signed at the hospital at birth or at a later date. Either parent has 60 days to rescind it after signing. Once that window closes, setting aside the declaration requires a court proceeding. When agreement isn’t possible, California courts can order genetic DNA testing to resolve the question.

If you’re facing a paternity matter in Torrance or the South Bay, call our paternity attorneys at (310) 904-6648 to schedule a consultation.

Paternity Cases We Handle

Paternity matters come to us from two directions, and the legal stakes differ depending on which side of the question you’re on. We’ve handled both.

For Mothers: Establishing the Father’s Legal Identity

A mother may pursue a paternity action to establish her child’s father as a legal parent, regardless of whether the couple was ever married. Once paternity is established, the father may be ordered to pay child support toward the child’s upbringing. If he refuses to submit to voluntary testing, the court can order him to do so. We guide clients through each step of the process from filing to enforcement, working to pursue the financial support and legal recognition they may seek.

For Fathers: Asserting or Contesting Parentage

A father who wants to be part of his child’s life must first have paternity established before the court can recognize his right to seek custody or visitation. Without that legal recognition, those rights can’t be recognized by the court. We help fathers pursue that recognition and, once paternity is established, work toward custody and visitation arrangements that reflect their role in the child’s life.

When paternity is in genuine dispute, protecting yourself before support payments begin is critical. Once payments start, ending them involves a complex legal process. We can help you obtain a court-ordered paternity test before any obligation is established, so you aren’t making payments you may not be required to make. If the matter goes to trial, Colleen Barberis is a trained litigator with 25 years of experience in difficult and high-conflict family law cases who is prepared to represent you in court.

Why Torrance Families Choose Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation

Our firm focuses exclusively on family law. We don’t handle criminal defense, personal injury, or immigration. Every case that comes through our door involves a family, and every attorney at our firm has devoted their career to this practice area. That concentrated focus shapes how we approach paternity cases and how well we know the courts and procedures involved.

Experience & Credentials

Patricia and Colleen Barberis bring 70 combined years of family law experience and have served clients in Torrance and the South Bay since Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation was founded in 1977. Patricia F. Barberis holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating available, and a Superb rating on Avvo. She has served as a volunteer attorney mediator for the South Bay branch of the Los Angeles County Court and as a judge pro tempore and arbitrator. Colleen Barberis has 25 years of litigation experience in high-conflict family law matters, is trained in collaborative law, and has served as a Daily Settlement Officer through the South Bay Bar Association.

A Cohesive Team with Deep Community Roots

Credentials aside, clients consistently describe our firm as responsive and accessible. Our mother-daughter team means you work with a cohesive two-attorney practice rather than being handed off between practitioners. Both Patricia and Colleen Barberis are members of the South Bay Bar Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and both have deep roots in the communities we serve.

Consult with a Paternity Attorney Serving Torrance & the South Bay

Paternity matters move quickly once a court filing is made. Custody, visitation, and support can all come before the court at the same time, which is why early legal guidance matters. Whether you’re a mother seeking legal recognition and support for your child or a father working to establish or protect your parental rights, we can help you understand your options and what to expect at each stage.

Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation serves clients throughout Torrance and the greater South Bay region and typically schedules consultations within a day or two. Call our paternity attorney team at (310) 904-6648 to get started.