Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Same-Sex Divorce
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Same-Sex Divorce Attorney in Long Beach
Your Path to Fairness & Clarity Starts Here
If you are considering ending your same-sex marriage in Long Beach, you may be facing concerns that go beyond the typical challenges of divorce. Issues related to parental rights, community property division, or questions about how your case will proceed in the local court can feel overwhelming. Our same-sex divorce attorney in Long Beach at Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation is committed to guiding you through every step with compassion and a deep knowledge of family law.
Navigating the end of a marriage is never easy, and same-sex couples sometimes encounter unique concerns involving legal recognition, custody, and property division. Since 1977, we have served clients in Long Beach and the South Bay, focusing exclusively on family law. This commitment gives us extensive experience supporting clients who need not just legal knowledge but respect, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy during major life changes.
Your family deserves care and respect. Our same-sex divorce attorney in Long Beach provides personalized guidance for life’s big transitions. Call (310) 904-6648 or contact us.
Why LGBTQ+ Clients in Long Beach Trust Us With Their Divorce
Trust forms the foundation of every attorney-client relationship, especially in family matters. For over forty years, our family-run practice has built strong relationships in Long Beach by supporting clients through complex and emotionally challenging divorces. We understand that each family is unique and deserves personal attention and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
Patricia and Colleen Barberis lead our team as a mother-daughter attorney duo. Together, they offer 70 years of combined experience in family law matters and have represented clients at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse and courts throughout Los Angeles County. Our exclusive focus on family law means we stay current with changing legal developments affecting same-sex couples—including shifts in policy and practical issues during settlement or litigation.
Our same-sex divorce attorneys have earned notable recognition, such as an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Superb rating on Avvo. These reflect both our legal skill and our dedication to client trust. Most importantly, we maintain honest, open communication and strive to help every client feel supported and informed at each stage of the process.
Navigating Same-Sex Divorce in Long Beach: What Makes These Cases Unique
Although divorce is difficult for any couple, same-sex partners in Long Beach can face added complexities. These may include legal questions about parentage, dividing assets acquired before federal recognition of marriage, or handling both domestic partnerships and marriages within one relationship.
Some unique challenges include:
Determining legal parentage when one parent is not listed on the birth certificate
Dividing assets acquired before marriage was recognized by law
Reconciling registered domestic partnerships with later marriages
Addressing potential bias in custody decisions or settlement negotiations
Because each case is so personal, we take a thorough, respectful approach to understand your relationship’s full context and the outcome you want to achieve.
We believe that every family’s circumstances and goals deserve individual attention. If your divorce involves complex financial matters or property, we work with forensic accountants as needed to help protect your interests. Our same-sex divorce attorney in Long Beach will guide you each step of the way, keeping you informed and addressing the unique concerns faced by LGBTQ+ couples.
Our Approach: Putting Your Family's Needs First
Every client deserves a legal strategy tailored to their circumstances. From the first confidential consultation, we listen to your concerns, clarify your priorities, and offer advice with honesty and empathy. We are aware that ending a relationship is deeply personal, especially for LGBTQ+ clients who may worry about privacy or equal treatment in family court.
Clients can expect our approach to include:
Listening to your story with attention and respect
Identifying what matters most to you, including children, finances, or privacy
Explaining available options and possible outcomes, step by step
Collaborating with outside professionals when specialized knowledge helps your case
Keeping you informed at every milestone
With decades of experience in only family law, we have strategies for both amicable settlements and high-conflict disputes. Above all, we work to make a stressful situation feel more manageable by focusing on actionable solutions that respect your past and help set up your future.
What to Expect During Your Same-Sex Divorce in Long Beach
Understanding the divorce process can offer reassurance and help reduce anxiety. In Long Beach, family law divorce cases are usually filed at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse.
These are the typical steps of a same-sex divorce in Long Beach:
Filing the petition to dissolve the marriage
Serving notice to your spouse
Negotiating temporary arrangements for custody, support, or property as needed
Working toward a settlement, or preparing for a court appearance if needed
Our same-sex divorce lawyer in Long Beach helps you prepare for every stage, explain each decision, and accompany you to court, mediation, or negotiations as needed. We focus on resolving issues with respect and discretion, so you can move forward with clarity and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have trouble securing parenting rights as a same-sex parent?
While California law protects the best interests of children and aims to recognize parental relationships, the process for securing parental rights can be more complex for same-sex parents—especially if both parents are not on the birth certificate. You may need to provide evidence of your parenting role or address questions of legal parentage. Our team helps you assemble the necessary records and present your case effectively, with your child's well-being as the top priority.
What makes your firm different for same-sex couples?
We offer exclusive family law experience gained since 1977, led by a mother-daughter attorney team focused on compassionate, effective advocacy. We have supported many same-sex couples through unique challenges, with a combination of personalized strategies, open communication, and attention to both legal and emotional concerns. Our recognized reputation and history of representing families at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse make us a trusted choice for those seeking help with same-sex divorce in Long Beach.
Is my information confidential during a same-sex divorce?
Yes, your privacy is protected throughout all stages of your case. The attorney-client privilege ensures the confidentiality of information you share with us. We also handle all legal matters discreetly, both in and out of court, and will explain how your data is kept secure. You can expect a respectful approach to your personal and family concerns.
How do you handle complex property or financial situations?
Our attorneys frequently work with forensic accountants to address complicated finances, such as real estate, retirement accounts, or business ownership. By consulting with outside professionals, we help present an accurate assessment of your marital property and liabilities. This careful approach supports fair division of assets, particularly for couples with pre-marriage property or blended financial histories.
What should I expect at my first meeting?
When you first meet with us, we will listen to your concerns and review key documents. We discuss your goals and answer questions about the divorce process in Long Beach, including what typically occurs at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse. Our aim is for you to leave the consultation with clarity and confidence, knowing the next steps and how we will support you moving forward.
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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