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Teresa L. Foster

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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

Call for a consultation (360) 525-9336
Teresa L. Foster's Website
Overview Reviews Experience
Overview Reviews Experience
Call for a consultation (360) 525-9336

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

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

Client's Choice

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Client's Choice
Client's Choice 2018

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

An elite group of attorneys who have been rated highly by their peers as having Very High Ethical Standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).

This is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 22 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/
Get Directions

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.
Star rating
5 stars 24
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 3
Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (19) Child Custody (14) Family (4) Child Support (3) Domestic Violence (2) Lawsuits & Disputes (2) Alimony (1) Litigation (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (20) Advocacy (16) Professionalism (15) Communication Style (12) Responsiveness (12) Recommendation (11) Character & Conduct (10) General Knowledge (10) Compassion (9) Trustworthiness (8) Staff & Support (6) Practice Area Knowledge (5) Cost of Services (3) Punctuality (1)

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Suzanne | August 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Teresa Foster - lawyer extraordinaire (in a league all her own)

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!

Posted by anonymous | April 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Deserving of your trust and confidence

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.

Posted by Jason | November 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Teresa Foster, Thank you!!!

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 t...he 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.

Posted by Robyn | September 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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.

Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Only wished I hired her sooner!

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 deci...sion 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.

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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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