WHO WE ARE
Patricia A. Rigdon ESQ., CFLS, Attorney
Patricia practices entirely in the area of family law. She works with her clients to resolve their divorce, paternity and family conflicts through negotiation, mediation, litigation and collaborative family law.
Patricia concentrates on finding ways for her clients to resolve their conflicts without court intervention. This allows parties to use precious financial resources for the benefit of the family rather than for payment of unnecessary litigation costs and attorney fees.
When talking about issues no longer works and mediation and collaboration are not for you, Patricia is ready to be your voice in court and vigorously advocate for you.
Education
Southwestern University School of Law – Los Angeles, California; May 1997 – Juris Doctor Moot Court Honors Program
Occidental College
Los Angeles, California; June 1981 – Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, with Honors in History
Patricia obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental College and her law degree from Southwestern University School of Law.
After working for the law firm of Palermo, Barbaro, Chinen & Pitzer, LLC for twelve years, Patricia opened her own law office in 2012.
Patricia is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has advanced training in the areas of collaborative law, mediation and negotiation skills.
Volunteer
- Pasadena Superior Court Daily Settlement Officer, 2010 to present
- Northeast District Volunteer Attorney Settlement Team, 2019 to present
- Los Angeles Superior Court VAST Program settlement attorney, 2020 to present
- Pro Per Judgment Day Volunteer, 2018 to present
- Loyola Law School’s Center for Conflict Resolution, Collaborative Clinic Volunteer, 2018 to present
- Los Angeles County Bar Association, Domestic Violence Clinic, Volunteer from approximately 2003 to 2010
- Christian Legal Aid Clinics, Volunteer Attorney, 2018 to present
Memberships & Honors
- The State Bar of California – Family Law and ADR Sections
- Los Angeles County Bar Association – Family Law and ADR Sections
- Pasadena Bar Association – Family Law Section
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists – Board of Directors 2008 to the present
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
- Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association – Board of Directors 2006-2008
- The International Association of Collaborative Processionals
Articles
- Patricia A. Rigdon (2013) Review of “Mediating Child Abduction Cases – The Hague Connection,” by Sarah Vigers, Journal of Child Custody, 10:3-4, 377-375, 001:10.1080/15 379418.2013, 833459
Professional Presentations
- 05/02/2019 – “Pet Custody: Legislative History and Factors to Consider”
- 10/05/2017 – “Family Code Section 3048(b): A Balancing Act”
- 11/06/2014 – “Parental Alienation: The Attorney’s Role in Screening, Education
Organizations
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS) Board of Directors 2008 to 2018, served as Secretary, Regional Director forSouthern California, Membership Benefits Coordinator and participated on the ACFLS/AFCC Joint Task Force. Served as Co-Chair of the following ACFLS Spring Seminars attended by 300 to 400 Judges and Attorneys throughout California:
- ACFLS 25th Annual Spring Seminar, “Yours, Mine and Ours: Complexities in Characterizing Assets and Debts,” March 24-26, 2017, Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage, California
- ACFLS 23rd Annual Spring Seminar, “Submitted: Mastering Rulings, Orders and Judgments,” March 21-23, 2014, Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage, California
- ACFLS 18th Annual Spring Seminar, “Titles, Transfers, and Transmutations: When Spouses Change the Character of Assets and Obligations,” March 26-28, 2010, Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa, Indian Wells, California
- Pasadena Collaborative Divorce, Founding member 2007 to present
- Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association, Board of directors 2006-2008
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Pasadena Bar Association
- California Lawyers Association
What Our Clients Are Saying
- Anne E.
Ms. Rigdon gave some expert legal advice to some friends of mine dealing with a custody case and assisted my best friend with her divorce. She was very generous with her time, and did not nickle and dime them. Her dedication to her cases was highly evident, and I know my friends were very satisfied with the results.
Also, the office is light and friendly and everyone puts you at ease. Very useful if tense and unhappy circumstances are the reason you end up in her office in the first place.
- Margie D.
Ms. Rigdon was a huge help during my divorce a few years ago. She kept the situation calm and collected and offered her expert advice on how to handle our assets, etc. Mediation was definitely the way to go for us and I have referred her to many friends, too.
The mediation process provides a more peaceful alternative to fighting about your personal issues in court. Read more to see if divorce mediation is right for you.
Collaboration brings attorneys, mental health professionals & accountants together to resolve family issues without going to court. Read more to see if a Collaborative Divorce is right for you.
Litigation in the divorce process involves submitting issues to family court in order to resolve them with the assistance of a judge, if both parties cannot reach an agreement in other ways. Read more to see if Divorce Litigation will be needed.
