Theresa E. Viera

Domestic Violence

The systematic pattern of aggressive and often violent behavior by which one person asserts power and control over another person.

Empowerment Representation

As a result of Domestic Violence abuse, a person generally experiences an altered ability to make decisions about one own’s physical and mental care. Recognizing this factor, “empowerment representation” is utilized to help Domestic Violence survivors regain control over their own lives.

My intimate knowledge of the North Carolina family court system began when I was a young child. Growing up in an environment of domestic violence, my young mind was skewed into thinking that mental and emotional abuse, physical violence, and financial manipulation was normal within a home and a marriage. At the age of nine, I witnessed physical abuse inflicted upon my brother at my father’s hand in an effort to protect my mother. As I held the towel that was used to clean up injuries, my young mind clicked: something had to change. Although my mind dreamt of fanciful escapes, such as building a cabin in the woods all by my nine-year-old self, I came to learn that escaping domestic violence was much harder than I imagined.

Though it took years and many attempts, my family finally made it out. Although only about twelve years old at the time, I knew I could live without the enviable house, fancy sports car, and big city salary. My father took every step he could to maintain power and control over my family; however, even with her financial means cut off, my mother was able to seek out an attorney. She took out the yellow pages and began calling the long list of law firms. It was the assertive yet endearing voice of a family law attorney (via a voicemail) that helped my mother find the family law attorney that would not only inspire confidence with my mother, but within me as well. Years of court hearings, tribulations and tears later, my father continues to be past due on his child support obligation. Regardless, I am grateful from the bottom of my heart that I can say: we are finally safe and we are doing better than okay.

I’m asked often, “why become a family law attorney?” Although rarely verbalized, my facial expression clearly states “if you only knew.” It is because my past has inspired me to change how we as a community address family legal matters. It is because I believe our judicial system can do more than further victimize and provide minimal protections to those seeking legal help or protections (regardless if such a case involves domestic violence or not). If your family and the law collide, I want to be there to help.

From a traumatic childhood experiencing many days inside the courthouse, I drove myself to become the first lawyer in my family. I attended George Washington University in Washington, DC, for my undergraduate studies. Thereafter, I attended the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill.

Over many years of practicing law with a focus on Family Law, I have been able to expand my skills in oration, writing, and legal thinking. More importantly though, I have been able to help hundreds of clients and their families find healthy solutions by utilizing the law. Every family is unique. Many cases may be resolved outside of the courthouse with the use of negotiations, mediation, or collaborative law; however, a number of cases will need the assistance of a Judge via the litigation process. I help my clients utilize each legal tool available to ensure a fitting solution for their specific family’s situation. And if I am able, I hope to go one step further: I want to inspire others as my mother’s attorney inspired me.

Associations

American Bar Association, Family Law Section
North Carolina State Bar
North Carolina Bar Association
Mecklenburg County Bar, Family Law Section
Former Chair of the Mecklenburg County Bar Family Law Section
Association of Latino Professionals For America
Women Lawyers of Charlotte
Playing for Others Board Member

Honors and Awards

- American Bar Association On The Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers - 2020
- North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Rising Star - 2021
- Legal Elite Business North Carolina - 2021
- Superlawyers Rising Star - 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018
- American Institute of Family Law Attorneys - Client Satisfaction 10 Best Female Attorneys - 2018, 2017, and 2016
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - STANDOUT Honoree - 2017
- American Jurist Institute - Top 10 Attorneys - 2017
- Avvo Client's Choice Award - 2016
- Acquisition International - Best for Domestic Violence - North Carolina - 2015
- National Institute for Trial Advocacy - Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute Diploma - 2014
- American Bar Foundation Fellow