Teresa L. Foster

PRO

Teresa L. Foster

4.8
28 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Vancouver, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody

1111 Main Street, Suite 300, Vancouver, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Teresa

Biography

I am passionate about my clients' well-being and dedicated to protecting what you value most. Call 360-525-9336 to schedule a consultation

I am passionate about my clients' well-being and dedicated to protecting what you value most. Call 360-525-9336 to schedule a consultation

I am passionate about my clients' well-being and dedicated to protecting what you value most. Call 360-525-9336 to schedule a consultation

I am passionate about my clients' well-being and dedicated to protecting what you value most. Call 360-525-9336 to schedule a consultation

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 90%

90%
Child Custody 5%

5%
Family 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 23 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2003

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Oregon for 28 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 1997

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

McKinley Irvin

1111 Main Street, Suite 300, Vancouver, WA, 98660-3282

mckinleyirvin.com/locations/vancouver/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Teresa online.

Teresa L. Foster's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (27) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by Suzanne | February 23, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Competent, professional, and relentless legal advocate

I hired Teresa to represent me with an out-of-state relocation for me and my minor children. From the outset, she was extremely knowledgeable and transparent with me about how my case could play out legally. On account of her tireless dedication and work ethic in addition to her colleagues, the out...come of my case was as she predicted: I was allowed to relocate with my children. Throughout my case, I felt like an absolute priority to Teresa and her phenomenal paralegal, Chriss Elliott. If needed to meet a deadline, Teresa blocked out her work schedule to focus on my case exclusively. In Court, she was incredibly prepared, professional, and a relentless advocate on my behalf. I had complete confidence in her legal expertise . Desite their busy schedules, Teresa and Chriss communicated regularly and kept me informed about the status of my case. You are in extemely capable hands with Teresa Foster and her team. Hire her!

Posted by Taylor | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Quick and easy!

Teresa was wonderful to work with while helping me establish a parenting plan and child support agreement. She was very kind, easy to communicate with, and always responsive. Everything was handled quickly and in a timely manner, which I really appreciated. She made the process feel much less stressf...ul, and I’m grateful for her support and professionalism. Highly recommend.

Posted by Beth | November 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Trust Me. You Need Teresa!

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 at...torneys 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.

Posted by Michael | September 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Divorce and Child custody.

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.

Posted by Robyn | September 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Fabulous Law Firm!

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 st...rength 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.

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Teresa L. Foster's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Teresa
John David Morse headshot
John Morse

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Teresa both as a former Partner and as an adversary. She is passionate, dedicated and whip smart. I would recommend her unreservedly"

Danielle Lynne LaBelle headshot
Danielle LaBelle

Family lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Vernon H. McCray headshot
Vernon McCray

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sands McKinley headshot
Sands McKinley

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rita Herrera Irvin headshot
Rita Irvin

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Casey Sanders headshot
Casey Sanders

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elizabeth Elaine Christy headshot
Elizabeth Christy

Child custody lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Teresa is a strong attorney who is well respected in the legal community."

Deanna Rusch headshot
Deanna Rusch

Family lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Teresa wholeheartedly. She is great to work with, and an admirable opponent. Teresa is always willing to think outside the box to get the job done."

Matthew T. Blum headshot
Matthew Blum

Family lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse Teresa Foster for all types of family law cases. If you have a complicated divorce or child custody issue, you couldn't ask for a better attorney than Teresa Foster."

Tessa Cohen headshot
Tessa Cohen

Unknown lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Teresa is an excellent family law attorney with a wealth of knowledge and experience."

Robert Charles Russell headshot
Robert Russell

Family lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Carlson Terry headshot
John Terry

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Teresa Foster is a fantastic family law attorney. She is very knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a great litigator."

Matthew M. Cohen headshot
Matthew Cohen

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer's work (as an attorney AND as a supervising attorney)."

View All Endorsements
Rory Dylan Flay headshot
Rory Flay

Divorce and separation lawyer

Vernon H. McCray headshot
Vernon McCray

Family lawyer

Casey Sanders headshot
Casey Sanders

Divorce and separation lawyer

Austin Batalden headshot
Austin Batalden

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2025

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2025

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2024

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2024

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2024

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Partner in Charge, Vancouver, McKinley Irvin

2016 - Present

Partner, Mckinley Irvin

2010 - 2016

Partner, Morse Bratt Andrews & Foster, PLLC

2004 - 2010

Managing Shareholder, Stahancyk Kent Johnson & Hook P C

2003 - 2004

Attorney, Morse & Bratt, PC

2001 - 2003

Attorney, Stahancyk Kent Johnson & Hook P C

Associations

2003 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Member

Family Law Section

Member

Multnomah Bar Association

Member

Clark County Bar Association

Member

Education

1997

Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Arizona State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2016

West Legalworks Family and Community Property Law, Vol. 1-3

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution