Teresa M. Harkins La Vita

Teresa M. Harkins La Vita

5.0
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 18 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Danvers, MA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Family

One Webb Street, Danvers, MA

About Teresa

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 25%

Including alimony, child support, and child custody. Serving clients in litigation, collaborative divorce, divorce mediation. Trained as a Category F Guardian ad Litem and as a divorce mediator.

18 years

25%
Family 25%

18 years

25%
Mediation 25%

Serving clients as a divorce mediator and marital mediator. If a settlement can be reached, we also draft the necessary documents for you.

16 years

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 18 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

La Vita Family Law and Mediation

One Webb Street, Danvers, MA, 01923

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Teresa M. Harkins La Vita's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

5 star (4)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Elissa | April 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Elissa B.

About 8 years ago I was referred to Teresa by an adoption lawyer I had used. During my first experience with her, for my divorce, I was able to email, phone, and meet in person with Teresa. As someone who appreciates walking through the hows and whys of the legal aspects of divorce, custody, and chil...d support, I believed Teresa was quite adept at explaining not only the law, but how parties work to settle separation agreements, especially when children are involved. Since that divorce, I have reached out once or twice with simple questions regarding my judgement and have received prompt answers. Recently, I filed a modification and Teresa proved, again, how much value she brings to a not entirely pleasant process. Teresa was professional, adhered to court and legal processes, remained collected, sympathetic, knowledgeable and firm throughout the settlement process. Again, she always takes the time to thoroughly answer my questions. While I hope to not need more legal services (!!), I am certain that Teresa will always be THE lawyer I turn to.

Posted by Sarah | January 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Fantastic results

Teresa handled a very complicated divorce for myself, and not only did I get the results, she was completely there for me when I needed her advice. She explained every detail before we began, there were no surprises. Highly recommend!

Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2014

Helps people in their time of need

Teresa helped me out when I needed it most! It was by luck that I found her but she was a true blessing. She helped me through a very painful and messy divorce. She was understanding and very responsive. I can't thank her enough! When my wife wanted to change everything, only for her benefit no...t my child's; Teresa helped me realize that the courts always do what's in the best interest of the child not necessarily what a parent wants. She was extremely knowledgeable about children's issues. My child has a disability and she went the extra mile to help me gather documentation and information that would be relevant to my case. As a father I was generally concerned that the courts would automatically grant my wife full custody. She is a true advocate. When I was stressed and angry she helped me stay calm and focused. I would recommend her to anyone going through a divorce especially if you have children!

Posted by Janice | May 29, 2013

LOW DIVORCE

I just completed my divorce with Teresa La Vita's help. Living on the west coast now, and have some disability issues, and needing a lawyer in MA, made my divorce more stressful. I contacted the La Vita Law Center in Danvers, MA, and Teresa La Vita responded promptly, quoted all the LAR's rates ...for limited representation. She was more than wonderful. She promptly either emailed or mailed all forms for me to work on...."My Homework", as I referred to it. She helped to get me out of having to fly back there to appear in court. Throughout my ordeal over the last 6 months, she's always been very professional,....but most of all, very kind and understanding of my situation. I couldn't have done all that was required, without her help. She was a godsend to me. She always had all paperwork neatly typed and ready for court, and helped guide me every step of the way,...often times giving me solid and valued advice. Should I have any future issues with the compliance from my ex-husband, I would most definately call Teresa again. She's not only a great lawyer, but a wonderful person. I'm glad my 6 months of divorce hell was spent in her very capable hands. I would recommend ANYONE and EVERYONE to her. Sincerely, Janice Beaverton, OR.

See All Client Reviews

Teresa M. Harkins La Vita's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Teresa
Anthony C Adamopoulos headshot
Anthony Adamopoulos

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I enthusiastically endorse Teresa, just as I have to attorneys and clients that I have referred to her. She is a top advocate in the Family Court and in our courts of appeal."

Adrianne Pusateri Ramos headshot
Adrianne Ramos

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason V. Owens headshot
Jason Owens

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Philip W. Mason headshot
Philip Mason

Family lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Teresa M. Harkins La Vita is a very knowledgeable and articulate advocate. It is clear that she represents her clients with passion, commitment, and professional competence. I endorse attorney La Vita enthusiastically. ."

Jessica L. Nagle headshot
Jessica Nagle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met Teresa at a mediation training. I was impressed with her natural ability to resolve disputes in a timely, logical manner. She is a valued colleague because of her impeccable ethics, attention to detail and interpersonal skills make her a joy to work with."

View All Endorsements
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos headshot
Adrianne Ramos

Family lawyer

Steven R. Ballard headshot
Steven Ballard

Unknown lawyer

Stephen T. DiGregorio headshot
Stephen DiGregorio

Estate planning lawyer

Philip W. Mason headshot
Philip Mason

Family lawyer

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Lawyer of the Year, North Shore Women Lawyers Association

2007

New England Scholar Award, New England Law | Boston

2007

CALI Award - European Union Law, New England Law | Boston

2007

CALI Award - Massachusetts Practice and Procedure, New England Law | Boston

2006

New England Scholar Award, New England Law | Boston

2006

CALI Award - Housing Discrimination, New England Law | Boston

2005

New England Scholar Award, New England Law | Boston

2005

CALI Award - Sexual Orientation and the Law, New England Law | Boston

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Care & Protection Investigator, Juvenile Court Department

2010 - Present

Owner, La Vita Family Law and Mediation

2010 - 2016

Adjunct Professor of Legal Research & Writing, New England Law | Boston

2009 - 2010

Associate, Levitt Law Group

2007 - 2009

Judicial Law Clerk, Mass. Probate and Family Court

Associations

2011 - Present

Mass. Council on Family Mediation

Member

2009 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Essex County Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2018

Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts

Co-Chair of the North of Boston Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

Guardianship of minor

Guardianship obtained

Premarital agreement

Premarital agreement executed

Will and health care proxy

Will and health care proxy executed

Custody of minor

Custody obtained

209A restraining order

Successfully defended

Divorce

Separation agreement achieved.

Guardian ad Litem report

Child custody investigated, report completed

Limited Assistance Representation

Separation Agreement executed

Contempt judgment

Contempt agreement and judgment reached

Corporation formed

Corporation formed

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science

N/A

New England Law | Boston

Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

Divorce information

An Evolving Family - Going From a "Couple" to "Single"

2010

Mass. LGBTQ Bar Association presents Fireside Chat

Alumni panel

Publications

2011

2011 Emerging Issues 5535 Marital Agreements – an alternative to immediate divorce?

2011

2011 Emerging Issues 5534 The Fate of Farley's Funds: Will a Pennsylvania Federal Court Award a Married Same-Sex Spouse the Funds Belonging to Her Deceased Wife?

2011

2011 Emerging Issues 5586 How the Right to Counsel Could Impact Civil Contempt Proceedings for the Non-Payment of Child Support

2011

2011 Emerging Issues 5623 The DOJ's Decision to Stop Defending Doma

2011

2011 Emerging Issues 5692 Help! Will my ex get part of my business in our divorce?

2011

Women's Bar Review The WBA’s New “Membership and Referral Directory"

2011

2011 Emerging Issues 5853 In Sickness and in Health . . . and in Bankruptcy

2010

2010 Emerging Issues 5318 Gill v. Office of Personnel Management: the downfall of DOMA?

2010

2010 Emerging Issues 5446 The American Bar Association's Resolution 111: On the Road to Marriage Equality in America

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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