To say I have an intimate knowledge of the North Carolina family court system, unfortunately, is a statement that I share with a sorrowful heart. My childhood was ridden with the yelling, crying, and physical abuse inflicted upon my mother, my older brother, and I from an abusive father. Growing up in an environment of domestic violence skewed my perception of reality and right from wrong. As a child amidst chaos, I was use to the violence. I honestly thought mental and emotional abuse, physical violence, and financial threats was normal in a home and marriage. It was not until around the age of nine that something clicked in me. I remember the evening as if it happened yesterday. Yet another fight broke out in the living room, while I watched TV in my pink-filled bedroom. Once again, my father did not like something my mother did. She had “pushed his buttons”. This time my brother attempted to deescalate the situation, and he was hit by my father. As my mother guided my brother to the bathroom with blood running from his nose, I hopped off my bed and squirmed between them to sit on the toilet seat of the bathroom. My brother’s anger and my mother’s despair apparent, I sat and observed. I didn’t shed a tear, but I wanted to be there for my brother…he was my best friend (even if he called me “tiny terror” and claimed I was his annoying younger sister). As I watched the water being poured on his face to ensure my mother could clearly see if there was an injury, something clicked in my head. All of a sudden it occurred to me, “this isn’t right”. I learned in that instance right from wrong, and that what my father had done was wrong. I didn’t know how or when things would change, but I knew then and there that my family had to get out of this dreadful situation.
Fast forward to the age of eleven, my father once again rose his hand to my mother. The fateful scream of my mother was heard two stories above while I sat in my room. I rushed down to her aid to find my father standing over her with a cast-iron beer mug. I confronted my father with the wrong he had inflicted upon my mother, and he responded by dragging me up a few flights of stairs and throwing me into a wall. I mean I should have expected it, he was three times the size of me. Regardless, I got up and went right back into the room to my mother. As I picked her up and guided her upstairs to a sink, I turned to the phone to call the police. As was her line in the past, “stop, if you do that he will be out of jail in a day and come after us…he will cut off all the money…we will be homeless.” Abiding by my mother’s wishes and concern, I proceeded to take mother to bed, take pictures of her wounds (as my Godmother told us to do during these violent incidents), and ensure that my mother never fell asleep. Our worry…if my mother fell asleep with the gaping head wound still bleeding then she may never wake up. It was literally the longest night of my life. Somehow we got through. From that day on though, things were different. The following summer, when he raised his voice again, I made the decision: I was going to leave with or without my mother. I know my mother had tried to leave before. But her priest told her to work on things, the police said they cannot do much, and our family members and friends “did not want to be involved”. Call me a rebellious child, but I didn’t care anymore. I would rather be homeless than live amidst the abuse of my father, regardless of the three-story house, fancy sports car, and money that made the neighbors enviable. My mother, who always tried to put her children first, finally decided to face the fire. At the very next incident, my mother and I escaped to a neighbor’s house, the police were called, and my father was put in jail for the night. The very next day, my mother developed the courage to file for a domestic violence protective order. With no funds, because my father had cut them off at this point as predicted, my mother found her attorney by calling any family law attorney in the Wake County area by using a physical phone book and heard for the voice of the attorney. Finally, when she heard a strong voice that instilled a sense of trust and understanding, my mother found Helen, her family law attorney. You think I’m kidding? I’m not. My mother found her attorney listening to her voice on the answering machine. Everything happens for a reason though. In the following five years, my mother and I were in and out of court to address everything that came about. I testified before the Judge at the age of twelve to bring light to the abuse in the home. And still to this day, my father is past due on his child support obligation. Therefore, when people ask how much experience do I have in the family courts, I can’t help but think, “oh, if you only knew”.
Now why with this history ridden with despair would I think I should become more involved by becoming a family law attorney myself? My reply is because I don’t think any child should go through what I went through. The court system should not be designed in a way to further victimize or encourage violence due to apathy based on technicalities. There is the law and there is life. Instead of ignoring my pains in the past, I want to use the knowledge gained to help others and create a ripple of change in the court system. I don’t care if you are a mother or a father, if you put your kids first then I am the attorney for you. I only wish I had as good a father as some of my clients are. And to confirm my ambition to become an attorney was my mom’s attorney Helen. Without her, my mother may still be in that abusive relationship. She was an inspiration to me, and now it is time to pay it forward.
When I left the Judge’s chambers at the age of twelve, I knew I could get use to this. I can honestly say, I spent a part of my childhood in a courtroom; therefore today, the courtroom does not scare me one bit. After graduating from Cary High School, I went to the George Washington University in Washington, DC. There I took a number of classes in psychology and conflict resolution, only to find that my passion was in international relations. Upon graduation from the university, I finally was able to pursue my ultimate goal: obtaining a law degree. I attended the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill. Not only did this fulfill my dream of supporting my favorite college basketball team as a loyal student, but I also was able to hone my skills as an orator, writer, and legal thinker.
As a family law attorney, I help my clients navigate the legal system when their family relations and the law collide. Based on your specific story, I figure out how the law applies. Although many cases can be resolved outside of the courts with the skillful use of mediation, collaborative law, or negotiations, some cases will end up before the Judge. I am here to ensure your rights are protected both outside and inside the courtroom. And if I am able, I hope to be an inspiration to you and your family as my mother’s attorney was to me.
Practice areas
Family Law encompasses Child Custody, Child Support, Equitable Distribution, Alimony, Postseparation Support, Attorney Fees, etc.
Includes Spousal Agreements - Premarital "Prenup" Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, and Reconciliation Agreements.
Includes Separation Agreements and Absolute Divorce.
Includes Termination of Parental Rights and Private Adoptions.
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, Arabic
Theresa E Viera
6715 Fairview Road
Suite 110
Charlotte, NC, 28210
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Active | 2012 | 04/28/2022 |
Legal answers | 168 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
On the Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers Award | American Bar Association | 2020 |
2020 Super Lawyers Rising Stars Selectee | SuperLawyers | 2020 |
2019 Super Lawyers Rising Stars Selectee | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
2018 Super Lawyers Rising Stars Selectee | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
Client Satisfaction 10 Best Female Attorneys | American Institute Family Law Division | 2018 |
2017 STANDOUT Honoree | The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | 2017 |
Client Satisfaction 10 Best Female Attorneys | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Top 10 Attorneys | American Jurist Institute | 2017 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2016 |
Client Satisfaction - 10 Best Female Attorneys | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2016 |
Best for Domestic Violence - North Carolina | Acquisition International | 2015 |
Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute Diploma | American Bar Association Section of Family Law - National Institute for Trial Advocacy | 2014 |
International Appellate Advocacy Team | Holderness Moot Court - University of North Carolina School of Law | 2012 |
100+ Hours of Pro Bono Work | UNC School of Law Pro Bono Program | 2012 |
Development Volunteer of the Year | Interact of Wake | 2009 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney and Founder | Modern Legal | 2020 - Present |
Attorney | Sodoma Law, P.C. | 2016 - 2020 |
Associate Attorney | McIlveen Family Law Firm | 2012 - 2016 |
Third Year Practitioner | UNC School Of Law Clinical Program | 2011 - 2012 |
Third Year Practitioner | Thirteenth Judicial District Attorney's Office | 2011 - 2011 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Business Networking International | Member | 2020 - Present |
Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2020 - Present |
Association of Latino Professionals For America | Member | 2016 - Present |
Mecklenburg County Bar, Family Law Section | Chairman, Member | 2016 - Present |
Mecklenburg County Bar, Hispanic-Latino Lawyers Bar | Member | 2015 - Present |
Charlotte Women Attorneys | Member | 2014 - Present |
The Chief Justice William H. Bobbitt American Inn of Court | Associate | 2014 - Present |
Gaston County Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2012 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division | Member | 2012 - Present |
Mecklenburg County Bar, Young Lawyers Section | Member | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Assembly | Member | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Gaston County Bar Association, Young Lawyer's Division | Member | 2012 - Present |
North Carolina State Bar | Member | 2012 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Mecklenburg County Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2016 - 2020 |
Latin American Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2016 - 2018 |
Executive Association of Charlotte (EAC) | Member with Firm | 2016 - 2020 |
National Association of Professional Women | Member | 2014 - 2015 |
Business Networking International | Member | 2012 - 2015 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Charlotte Observer - Moms Charlotte | Top 3 issues to address when deciding to divorce. | 2017 |
The Life in Dilworth - Family Matters | Bringing in the Best Year for Your | 2017 |
Lawyers Mutual | My First Fit | 2016 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of North Carolina School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2012 |
George Washington University - Elliott School of International Affairs | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2009 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Prenuptials: A Valentine for Estate Attorneys | Premartial Agreeements | 2017 |
Financial Planning for Women Hosted by Edward Jones (May 2016) | Financial Concerns for Women in a Marriage or Going Through Divorce | 2016 |
Financial Planning for Women Hosted by Edward Jones (May 2015) | Financial Concerns for Women in a Marriage or Going Through Divorce | 2015 |
American Bar Association | Prenuptial Agreements: Not Just For the Rich and Famous | 2015 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Termination of Parental Rights (07-18-2016) | Opposing party's parental rights were terminated. |
Emergency Custody (05-31-2016) | Parenting time to Client and Hair Follicle Drug Test Ordered for Opposing Party |
Child Custody and Child Support Trial (03-23-2016) | Primary Custody, Child Support, and Child Support Arrears to my Client |
Postseparation Support (01-07-2016) | No Spousal Support Required to be paid by my client. |
Child Custody Trial (12-01-2015) | Custody to my Client |
Posted by Renee
December 6, 2021
Posted by James
February 25, 2021
Posted by anonymous
December 11, 2020
Posted by David
December 2, 2020
Posted by Jackie
June 10, 2020
Posted by anonymous
June 9, 2020
Posted by Tanya
March 23, 2020
Posted by anonymous
February 20, 2020
Posted by H Lien Bragg
November 7, 2018
Posted by Lexia
May 3, 2018
Megan White, Family Attorney on Mar 12, 2021
Relationship: Co-worker
Theresa is a talented attorney who truly cares about her clients. She is professional and dedicated to providing the best for her clients.
Lynna Moen, Child custody Attorney on Dec 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Theresa is an excellent attorney and a leader in our community
Megan White, Family Attorney on Mar 12, 2021
Relationship: Co-worker
Theresa is a talented attorney who truly cares about her clients. She is professional and dedicated to providing the best for her clients.
Lynna Moen, Child custody Attorney on Dec 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Theresa is an excellent attorney and a leader in our community
Jennifer Moore, Family Attorney on Nov 29, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have worked with Theresa on many cases and find her to be exceptionally competent and confident. She compassionately and zealously advocates for her clients.
Cassandra Strunk, Family Attorney on Mar 29, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
I would highly recommend Theresa to anyone needing a family law attorney. Her knowledge of family law is remarkable. She has the respect of many attorneys and judges because of her professionalism and her extensive knowledge of the law. She is a hard worker that will go the extra mile for her clients.
Tara Harrawood, Family Attorney on Dec 7, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Theresa is a zealous advocate for her clients. She is hard-working, compassionate, and knowledgeable. I would recommend her services to any client.
Chelsea Chapman, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 6, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Family law attorneys should be sincere, intelligent, and compassionate. Theresa is all of the above and I admire her enthusiastic and efficient approach to her cases. I would recommend Theresa to anyone who needs a family law attorney.
David Simmons, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 6, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Theresa is a hard worker and a natural leader. Her positive attitude makes her a pleasure to work with. She is a skilled family law attorney who knows what her clients want and need before they tell her. She is an effective communicator and she cares deeply about her work. I recommend Theresa to anyone in need of a family law attorney.
Roland Ho, Family Attorney on Mar 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
C. Barrington, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've known Theresa since we were in law school together on the Moot Court team. She is a dedicated and passionate attorney who always has her clients' best interests in mind. This will serve her clients well. She is an exceptional attorney.
Lindsey Spain, Unknown Attorney on Aug 20, 2013
Relationship: Friend
I have known Theresa since law school. Theresa is hard-working and compassionate. I am always impressed by her zealous advocacy for her clients. I absolutely recommend Theresa for your legal needs.
William Harrison, Family Attorney on Aug 20, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I strongly endorse Theresa Viera. I know firsthand Theresa's passion for Family Law, and her knowledge of complex issues in custody, equitable distribution, divorce and other related matters is vast. Theresa is willing to go beyond the call of duty to make her clients comfortable and has a rare ability to relate to others in difficult situations.
Nicholas Miller, Family Attorney on Aug 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Theresa exudes confidence and competence in representing her clients. She has a meticulous attention to detail, a keen knowledge of the law, and a healthy dose of common sense that sets her apart from her peers. Her passion for helping others and her compassion make family law a natural fit for her. For those facing the difficulty of a divorce, a child support dispute, or another similar matter, I can think of no better representation than that offered by this fine advocate.
Tara Sain, Unknown Attorney on May 8, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Theresa is an exceptional attorney who demonstrates enthusiasm for the practice of law and sincere compassion for her clients.
Anna Carpenter, Family Attorney on May 6, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Emilia Tavakoli, Family Attorney on Mar 22, 2013
Relationship: Friend
Attorney Theresa Viera is hard working and dedicated to the profession and her clients. I would highly recommend her services to anyone seeking a family law attorney.
Jamie Hester, Family Attorney on Mar 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Theresa is a personable and enthusiastic attorney, and it's been a pleasure to get to know her.
Sean McIlveen, Family Attorney on Feb 11, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I would highly recommend Theresa Viera. Theresa is an enthusiastic advocate for her clients. Her knowledge of the law is outstanding and she shows no fear in arguing for her clients. And above all, she is genuinely concerned that the outcome of her cases results in both fairness and justice.
Angela McIlveen, Family Attorney on Jan 29, 2013
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
Theresa is an excellent lawyer. She is always working to help clients understand the law and decide their best options. I would trust Theresa on any case.