Teresa L. Foster

I was referred to Teresa Foster by an attorney in Portland. This was the first time in my life that I was represented by an attorney in a legal proceeding. I was blown away by the entire experience and am absolutely convinced that I could not have hired a better lawyer/team to represent me. Teresa is an amazing attorney who comes with the added bonus of her exceptional paralegal Chriss Elliott. From the first moment I met Teresa and Chriss, I felt instantly at ease and assured that I was hiring the absolute best. Throughout the entire process, they were consummate professionals, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate. They promptly responded to my messages and always kept the lines of communication open. I continuously felt in the loop about the next steps. Nothing falls through the cracks. They go the extra mile and beyond for their clients. When I needed a certified copy of my divorce order immediately after it was finalized (for a time-sensitive issue), Chriss went to court on my behalf and picked up a copy for me. My divorce was one of the most stressful times of my life. However, Teresa and Chriss were the silver lining to the whole experience. I am so thankful that I was referred to Teresa and had the privilege of hiring her and working with her and Chriss. Teresa gave me the best legal advice possible and the end result far exceeded my expectations. She is a masterful negotiator. She absolutely shines in this arena and makes it look effortless. Teresa is worth her weight in gold. Hire her!

Going through an unwanted divorce can be incredibly pain at the very least. Teresa’s sharp mind and hardworking sets you at ease knowing you are in great hands. She is firm, straightforward with empathy and compassion. I couldn’t have imagined anyone better to represent me than her. She is rock solid!

I am consultant in the legal field. I teach lawyers all across the country how to run their businesses and how to create an excellent client experience. When I needed to hire a divorce attorney I turned to Teresa Foster. Here is what you need to know: 1. You know that communication thing where attorneys never call you back? Teresa, her paralegal Chriss Elliott and attorney Faye Breitreed are the top 1% in communication gold standards! You are never left in the dark, and each of them are responsive and mindful of your stress. Yes, Teresa can talk fast.. there's a reason.. she knows you are going to get the bill at the end of the month and she is trying to pack in everything possible in the shortest amount of time to save you money. 2. Teresa and her team set the standards for ethical, smart and well reasoned representation. The judges know she isn't going to play shenanigans, not going to stretch the truth or take advantage. She is a straight shooter who always treats the opposition with respect. Her reputation is stellar. Whether you know it or not, this Does have an effect in court. 3. If you are looking for an attorney that will use your kids as a weapon against the ex, or try to manipulate the truth to just make a point, she is not the attorney for you. This is why she wins people. There is going to be a good guy and a bad guy standing in front of the judge. If you were both good guys, you'd work it out in mediation. Teresa is the good guy, so if want to screw the ex, find someone else. She wins, because she fiercely protects her client, and stands her ground, while being reasonably strategic and objective. 4. She's been doing this awhile, so when she tells you her advice, do it. You will be happier in the long run. 5. Remember to thank Chriss and her team, they are absolutely in your corner and they feel your pain. They make you look good in court and they never miss a beat. I've literally never seen a better paralegal in my work across the country with thousands of law firms. 6. Count yourself lucky if you can get Teresa and Chriss to have your back. Oh and tell them that Beth sent you.

Wow! Teresa did a fantastic job of telling me the facts and when I was being foolish. Enjoyed working with her and her paralegal Chriss Elliott. Two great people that I will miss now that the divorce is done.

Divorce can be a very ugly, stressful, and greatly unfortunate life event. For me, it made me feel lost, hurt, fearful, and extraordinarily vulnerable. Once I made the decision that this was the path I needed to take, I made the decision to seek legal counsel. Honestly it did not even occur to me to handle it myself. Also, I didn’t have enough trust in my then husband to even contemplate an amicable agreement. I researched firms online and McKinley Irvin stood out repeatedly as a reputable and effective firm. Read through many profiles and was highly impressed. I was assigned Teresa Foster, Senior Partner in Charge in Vancouver WA. She was selected because she is very experienced. Important for me due to a significant income difference between myself and ex. I met with Teresa and our talk was very clear and to the point. It wasn’t a therapy session. It was a “this is how I see the situation. This is what I recommend. These would be the next steps”. This was exactly what I needed ..... direction and clarity. And my perception was that I could trust this direction and Teresa. Also, in understanding that this was all very overwhelming, Teresa extended the offer for me to call/text her with questions as as needed. I took comfort in her leadership and unwavering confidence. As a Senior partner her plate was not at all empty but I was pleasantly surprised at my experience with Teresa’s paralegal Chriss Elliott when I needed anything and Teresa was not available. Truly a dynamic duo. Always so pleasant and accommodating. They both have the same “let’s get it done” attitude. There was no feet dragging and never any disregard. Chriss, also experienced the overwhelmed me and each and every time (there were several) our discussions made me feel so much better. I was impressed by so much, but as the dust cleared I realized how thankful I was by Teresa Foster’s focus, confidence, intelligence to grasp a significant amount of information and know exactly how to proceed, clarity on the goal....and then achieving that goal. I have heard many stories of the lack of trust or confidence others had with their attorney and I’m so thankful that my experience was the complete opposite. I had 100% trust. My divorce ended with as equitable (WA state) outcome as I could have asked. Whether or not it was deserved by him was not relevant, living in a community property state, but it could have been so much worse in many ways and for this I will forever be grateful. I feel so very fortunate to have found both Teresa Foster and Chriss Elliott.

I was fortunate to retain the help of Teresa Foster during my divorce. She was referred to me by several distinguished retired attorneys who said she was the best I could find. I had initially hired a different attorney and I grew frustrated with having unreturned messages and being shuffled off to the 2nd-string attorney who even misspelled my name on a submitted briefing. Teresa and her assistant Chriss Elliott always quickly returned emails, gave me excellent counsel and had their hearts in it. I didn’t feel like I was just one of a hundred clients; I was given excellent personal attention during a difficult time in my life. I will always appreciate the help they gave me. Count yourself fortunate if you have the opportunity to hire Teresa Foster and Chriss onto your team.

I highly recommend Teresa Foster and her paralegal Chriss Elliott. I needed an attorney with in one day, and I got my call returned the same day. Teresa Met with me the very next day and I hired her by lunch time. My problem was I had to move fast to get a restraining order to protect my self and my 15 year old daughter. We had a domestic violence issue and needed a quick solution. That same afternoon Teresa and I went to my soon to be ex-wife’s hearing and Teresa told the judge that she was representing me. She was already working on the restraining order while sitting at the hearing with me. I was so relieved for my daughter, my home and myself that she could not return to the residence. Safety for us was Teresa’s first priority. Months later Teresa’s high skills paid off. Teresa is so smart, has quick thinking ability, caring and is a very good listener. I won the case and most importantly won full custody of my daughter. I also did not have to pay any alimony at all even after a 16 year marriage. I am so thankful for what Teresa had done. I believe she saved more then one persons life. If you need an attorney look no further then Teresa Foster. She may save your life to. Thank you Teresa.

Teresa is amazingly detail oriented, fact based and quick to act. She know her law and can quote it quickly. When I came to her I was scared, broken full of dread and disbelief; yet, she tactfully and factually told me what I was facing step by step. By standing by me the entire time she gave me strength to face each court appearance, level of discovery and allegation tossed my way. Teresa is a force to be reckoned with, not only was I glad she wasn’t opposing counsel, I always felt safe and fully represented whether in court or giving her new information. It would have taken 6 months to get anywhere regarding splitting our belongings but she had it done in 9 weeks. She put my son first and always fought for his rights. Her paralegal, Chriss, always returned my calls and listened to what I had to say, even if it was just venting. I’d recommend them to anyone.

Unfortunately, I hired another attorney in Clark County first at the beginning of my divorce proceedings, who lead me in a horrible direction and did not advocate for my children. Once the divorce was final and the children's needs were still not being met, I had a consultation with Teresa. Best decision ever. Hired her immediately and I am still amazed at her work a few years later. She is professional, direct, timely, realistic but will advocate for the client (& their children) and makes you feel heard and important. She clearly understands the law and local court rule but can relate as a fellow parent. I am forever grateful for her hard work and dedication to win our case.

I am overly ecstatic about the work performed by Teresa and her team at McKinleyIrvin. She understood the law and applied the law. She was most fair, and she cut through the clutter to give her honest appraisal, regardless of what I "hoped" to hear. I engaged Teresa with only seven weeks prior to final court trial. Against all odds [opinion from attorneys in the family law profession], with a compressed time frame for preparation, along with her tenacity leading up to and at trial, Teresa was able to navigate and ultimately negotiate a settlement that allowed both parties the dignity of achieving an amicable long-term parenting relationship. Her fees may be on the high side, comparatively; however, she was conscious of both her time and mine while on the phone and in meetings. Having said that, while in the throes of court trial I thought to myself, "Whether the court rules in "my favor" or not, Teresa is worth every penny spent...and more."