Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Mothers' Rights
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Long Beach Mothers' Rights Attorney
Support For Mothers Protecting Their Children & Future
If you are a mother in Long Beach facing a custody, visitation, or support dispute, you may feel like everything is at risk at once. Your time with your children, your safety, and your financial stability can all feel uncertain. You do not have to sort through that alone.
At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we focus only on family law. Our firm has represented parents in divorce, custody, and support matters since 1977, and our mother daughter team brings more than 70 years of combined experience to every case. We understand how high the stakes are when you are trying to protect your relationship with your children.
Our attorneys hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell and a Superb rating on Avvo, and we are known for client centered communication and effective courtroom advocacy. We serve families whose cases are typically handled through the Los Angeles County Superior Court, including matters that arise in the Long Beach area.
When mothers contact us, they often ask what “mothers' rights” really means in California. The law in our state focuses on the best interests of the child. That standard looks at many factors, including each parent’s history of caregiving, the child’s health and safety, and which arrangements support consistent, meaningful contact with both parents when it is safe.
For many families, the mother has been the primary caregiver. We work to present that reality clearly to the court through calendars, school and medical records, and other documentation that shows who handles day to day responsibilities. Our goal is to help the court see the full picture of your involvement, not just a snapshot taken during conflict.
Mothers often face complex issues in these cases. You may be dealing with allegations of parental alienation, a request to relocate with the children, or concerns about the other parent’s substance use or anger. We help you understand how judges in the Los Angeles County family courts tend to evaluate these situations, then we build a strategy that supports both your children’s safety and their emotional stability.
Custody disputes rarely stand alone. Parenting time, child support, spousal support, and property division usually move forward together. Because our practice has focused on family law since 1977, we are comfortable handling intertwined issues. In more complex financial cases, we can work with forensic accountants so that support and property awards are based on accurate information, which can be important for a mother trying to maintain a stable home for the children.
Throughout this process, we make communication a priority. We listen carefully to your concerns, explain your options in clear language, and develop a plan that considers both immediate needs and long term goals. Our role as a Long Beach mothers' rights lawyer is to provide steady guidance and strong advocacy so you are not navigating these decisions alone.
If You Face A Custody Dispute
Court papers, deadlines, and pressure from the other parent can make a custody conflict feel overwhelming. Taking a few concrete steps early can help protect your position and reduce some of that stress. Even small choices in the first weeks of a dispute can have lasting effects on your case.
Practical steps mothers can take right away:
Start a simple log of your daily time and responsibilities with the children, including school, homework, medical appointments, and activities.
Be cautious about texts, emails, and social media. Assume that anything you write or post could be read in court later.
Follow any existing court orders, even if they feel unfair, unless your attorney advises a different legal step for safety reasons.
Avoid making major moves, such as relocating or changing schools, without legal advice, especially if the other parent objects.
Schedule a consultation with a family law attorney who regularly appears in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in matters that involve Long Beach families.
Many mothers worry about defending themselves against accusations from the other parent or feel pressured into quick agreements that do not reflect their real parenting role. We work with you to organize the facts, gather documents and witnesses, and prepare for mediation and hearings so your story is presented clearly and calmly.
If your case involves safety concerns, such as domestic violence or substance abuse, early legal guidance is particularly important before you appear at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Long Beach or any other Los Angeles County family law location. We can discuss options such as temporary orders that focus on protection and stability, while still keeping an eye on the long term parenting plan.
Why Local Mothers Choose Our Firm
Choosing the right attorney is as much about fit as it is about credentials. Mothers who come to us are often looking for a firm that understands both the legal system and the everyday realities of raising children during a family breakup. Our history and structure allow us to meet both needs.
Our practice has handled family law matters since 1977, serving families throughout the South Bay and surrounding communities. That long tenure means we are familiar with how custody and support cases typically move through the Los Angeles County Superior Court, including matters arising from Long Beach. This local knowledge helps us anticipate procedural issues and prepare you for what to expect.
As a mother daughter team, we bring both generational perspective and shared commitment to every case. Many clients find it reassuring to work with attorneys who understand parenting roles and family dynamics from personal experience as well as from decades in family court. We know that these cases are not just about legal documents. They are about bedtimes, school mornings, holidays, and the daily routines that shape a child’s life.
Our firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell and a Superb rating on Avvo. These independent evaluations reflect our professionalism and the regard of peers and clients for our work in family law. While every case is different, these ratings signal that we take our responsibilities in and out of the courtroom seriously.
Financial security is another central concern for mothers in contested cases. When property division or hidden income becomes an issue, we can involve forensic accountants and other financial professionals to help ensure that the information before the court is complete. This can be crucial for securing support orders that give you a realistic chance to maintain a stable home.
Above all, communication defines how we work. We strive to return calls promptly, explain the meaning of each hearing and filing, and give you a clear picture of both risks and opportunities. When you work with a Long Beach mothers' rights attorney at our firm, you are not left guessing about the status of your case.
What To Expect In Your Case
Understanding the general path of a family law case can make a difficult situation feel more manageable. Although every matter is different, custody and support disputes for families in Long Beach usually move through a series of familiar stages in the Los Angeles County Superior Court system.
Most cases begin with a consultation, followed by preparation and filing of the necessary documents. These may include a petition for dissolution or parentage, requests for custody and visitation orders, and requests for child or spousal support. Once filed, the court generally schedules hearings and, in many custody matters, orders the parents to participate in mediation or custody recommending counseling.
In mediation, you will be asked to discuss parenting schedules and decision making with a neutral professional. The way you present your concerns and your willingness to focus on the children’s needs can affect recommendations that go to the judge. We work with mothers to prepare for these meetings, clarify priorities, and avoid common pitfalls that can distract from the real issues.
If the case does not settle through negotiation or mediation, the court may set additional hearings or a trial. At each step, judges are usually looking for credible information about each parent’s history with the children, current living situations, and ability to support the children’s physical and emotional well being. We help you gather and present that information in an organized and respectful way.
Our goal throughout is to align strategy with both immediate concerns and long term plans. For some mothers, that means focusing first on urgent safety issues. For others, it may mean securing a predictable schedule so children can thrive in school and activities. When you are ready to discuss your options with a Long Beach mothers' rights lawyer, we invite you to contact our firm for a consultation.
California law does not give an automatic advantage to mothers. Courts focus on the best interests of the child, which often includes looking closely at who has provided day to day care. We help mothers present that caregiving history clearly so the court has a full, accurate picture.
How can I protect my kids from an unsafe parent?
You may be able to request court orders that limit or supervise contact when safety is a concern. The right approach depends on the facts, such as any history of violence, substance use, or neglect. We discuss options with you and work to pursue protection focused on your children.
What if I was never married to my child’s father?
Unmarried mothers still have rights regarding custody, visitation, and child support. The court may address parentage issues first, then make orders about parenting time and financial support. We regularly assist unmarried parents in these situations and can explain what to expect in your specific case.
Can my work schedule hurt my custody case?
A demanding work schedule does not automatically harm your case. Courts recognize that most parents must work. We help you propose realistic parenting plans that fit your job and your children’s needs, and we highlight the quality of your time with them, not just the quantity.
How will your firm communicate with me?
We make communication a priority. Our team works to return calls, respond to questions, and keep you updated before and after key hearings. We explain your options in plain language and involve you in important decisions so you feel informed rather than left in the dark.
Talk With Us About Your Rights As A Mother
If you are worried about custody, parenting time, or support, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Our family law firm has guided mothers through divorce and parentage cases for decades, and we understand how much your children mean to you.
When you contact Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, you can expect straightforward advice, a clear explanation of your options, and a plan tailored to your family’s needs. Our mother daughter team draws on more than 70 years of combined family law experience to help you navigate each step with confidence.
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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