Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Fathers' Rights
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Long Beach Fathers' Rights Attorney
Protecting Your Role As A Father in Los Angeles County, CA
If you are a father facing divorce, separation, or a custody dispute, you may be worried that your relationship with your children is at risk. You might feel that no one is listening to your side, or that the court will see you as less important than the other parent. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady advocate who understands fathers and California family law.
At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we help fathers protect their time with their children and their long term stability. Our family law attorneys have guided parents in the Long Beach area and the South Bay region through difficult custody, visitation, and support cases since 1977. We listen carefully to your goals and work to build a strategy that reflects your role in your children’s lives.
When fathers look for help, they want more than general information. They want to know that the attorney they choose understands the realities of family court and has spent years in that environment. Our firm has focused on family law since 1977. Over those decades, we have represented parents in divorces, custody disputes, support matters, and post judgment conflicts throughout the South Bay, including families whose cases are handled in the Long Beach area.
Our team is led by a mother and daughter, Patricia and Colleen Barberis, who bring a combined 70 years of family law experience to each case. This is a genuine family partnership. We draw on our own understanding of parenting and family dynamics when we help fathers present their everyday involvement with their children to the court. Our goal is to combine legal judgment with a practical sense of how real families work.
We are proud that our work has been recognized with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell and a Superb rating on Avvo. These ratings reflect how peers and clients view our professionalism and courtroom advocacy. For a father who expects a contested hearing, it matters to know that his attorney is comfortable in front of a judge and takes preparation seriously.
Communication is central to how we practice. We strive to keep you informed, explain what each step means, and involve you in decisions about settlement and litigation. Fathers often tell us that feeling heard and fully informed is as important as the court’s final order. We work to provide that level of clarity from the first meeting forward.
Protecting Your Rights As A Father
Many fathers come to us after being told that courts always favor mothers. California family law does not say that, but how a case is presented can affect the outcome. Courts focus on the best interests of the child, which includes stability, health, and meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible. A prepared fathers' rights attorney can help the court see your role clearly.
We work with you to document your day to day involvement in your children’s lives. That can include school drop offs, homework, medical appointments, activities, and the quieter moments that show a stable bond. When the court understands that you are a consistent, reliable parent, it has a fuller picture when deciding legal and physical custody.
Custody and parenting time orders can take many forms. Some families reach equal time arrangements, while others use schedules that fit work obligations, school needs, and distance between homes. We help fathers think through realistic schedules, then advocate for parenting plans that protect important routines and special days. When the other parent resists, we present your proposals in a structured, child focused way.
High conflict cases can be especially painful for fathers who feel shut out or falsely accused. In these situations, we pay careful attention to evidence, communication records, and prior court orders. Our attorneys prepare you for mediation, evaluations when required, and hearings so that you can speak clearly and calmly. We focus on both immediate protection of your rights and long term stability for your children.
Custody, Visitation & Support Issues
Most fathers have questions about how custody, visitation, and child support actually work in practice. California law recognizes both legal custody, which is decision making power, and physical custody, which is where children live and how time is shared. A fathers' rights lawyer helps you understand how these pieces fit together and what options may fit your family’s situation.
Legal custody can be joint or, in some cases, awarded to one parent. Joint legal custody often means parents share responsibility for major decisions about education, non emergency medical care, and similar issues. Physical custody and visitation define where your children spend their time. We explain the range of possible schedules, from equal time to every other weekend plans and many structures in between, then work with you on proposals that match your children’s needs.
Child support is another serious concern. California uses guideline formulas that consider factors such as each parent’s income and the percentage of time children spend in each household. When income includes self employment, bonuses, or business interests, calculating support can become complex. Our attorneys can involve forensic accountants when needed so that the court has accurate information about income and property.
Support and custody orders are not always static. If your work schedule changes, if a child’s needs evolve, or if one parent relocates, it may be appropriate to seek a modification. We help fathers review existing orders, evaluate whether a change is legally justified, and present their request to the Los Angeles Superior Court, which hears family law matters for Long Beach families. Throughout, we keep an eye on how changes will affect your ongoing relationship with your children.
What To Do If You Are Facing Court
If you have a court date coming up, or think one is likely, it is natural to feel anxious. Clear steps can help you regain a sense of control and prepare effectively. Whether your case is beginning or already in progress, speaking with a fathers' rights lawyer Long Beach fathers can rely on for guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Practical steps you can take now include:
Gather court papers, prior orders, school records, and any written parenting agreements you already have.
Organize messages, emails, and calendars that show your time with your children and your efforts to co parent.
Avoid making new informal deals about custody or support without understanding how they may affect your rights.
Focus your communication with the other parent on the children, and avoid arguments that may be misinterpreted later.
Our attorneys prepare fathers for mediation sessions and hearings at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, which serves Long Beach family law cases. We walk you through what to expect, from courtroom procedures to how to address the judge respectfully. We also discuss possible outcomes so that you are not surprised by the range of orders a court may consider.
Throughout your case, we work to keep you informed. We discuss strategy with you before key steps, explain documents in plain language, and answer your questions about timing and next appearances. When you understand the process, it often becomes easier to focus on your children instead of just the conflict.
If you know you are heading toward court, contacting our firm early gives us more time to understand your history with your children, gather documents, and plan. We invite you to speak with us about where your case stands and how we can help you move forward.
California law does not state a preference for mothers or fathers. Courts focus on the best interests of the child, which usually includes strong relationships with both parents. We work to show the court your role in your children’s lives so gender based assumptions do not drive the outcome.
Can I get primary custody of my children?
Fathers can receive primary physical custody when facts support that result. Courts look at history of caregiving, each parent’s stability, and what arrangement best serves the children. We evaluate your situation, discuss realistic goals, and build a plan to present your parenting strengths to the court.
How will your firm keep me informed about my case?
Our goal is to keep you involved and informed at each stage. We review key decisions with you, explain documents in plain language, and provide updates about court dates and next steps. Fathers often tell us that this level of communication helps reduce stress throughout the process.
What if my income or property is complicated?
Complex income or property can affect child and spousal support. When needed, we work with forensic accountants to review business records, investments, or self employment income. This helps the court see a more accurate financial picture and supports fairer support and property related decisions.
When should I contact a lawyer about fathers’ rights?
It is usually helpful to speak with an attorney as soon as you know conflict is developing. Early guidance can affect temporary orders, parenting time patterns, and financial decisions. We are available to talk whether you are just considering separation or already have a pending court date.
Talk With Our Family Law Team
As a father, you want to protect your bond with your children and your ability to support them in a stable way. Since 1977, Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation has helped parents in the South Bay and the Long Beach area navigate custody, visitation, and support disputes with careful preparation and steady advocacy.
Our family law attorneys combine decades of focused experience, respected professional ratings, and a client centered approach. When you contact us, we take time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and discuss how a fathers' rights attorney Long Beach fathers trust can help in your specific situation. Taking this first step can give you clearer direction and a plan for 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.
.2507151031290.png "Best Business of 2025- Three Best Rated")
