Photo of Theresa A. Roeder

Theresa A. Roeder

Associate
She/Her/Hers
Boston

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Susan Lyman

From a young age, Theresa knew she wanted to become a lawyer—not for the prestige or the courtroom drama, but to help people through life’s most difficult transitions.

Today, as a family law attorney, she does just that—advocating for her clients with clarity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the emotional and financial stakes involved.

Theresa represents individuals in a wide range of domestic relations matters, including divorce, custody and parenting time disputes, child support, alimony, asset division, paternity, and post-judgment modifications and enforcement actions. She also works with clients on prenuptial, postnuptial, and cohabitation agreements. Whether navigating complex financial issues in high-net-worth divorces or working to secure parenting rights in contested custody cases, Theresa brings a calm, strategic approach grounded in both advocacy and compassion. While she is always focused on achieving practical, cost-effective resolutions, she is also an experienced trial attorney unafraid to litigate when necessary. In fact, Theresa has participated in trials nearly every year since beginning her practice—an uncommon level of courtroom experience for someone at her stage of career—including multiple trials in recent years and another on the horizon. This depth of trial exposure informs her work from the outset of every case, allowing her to negotiate from a position of strength while always being prepared to see a matter through judgment.

With an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Northeastern University and early training at the BU School of Law Civil Litigation Clinic, Theresa is attuned to the emotional complexities that often accompany family law matters. She acknowledges that behind every legal challenge lies a personal story—often involving children, livelihood, or a sense of stability—and she is deeply committed to helping clients move forward with dignity and confidence.

While the majority of Theresa’s work involves complex family law matters, she also values the opportunity to represent lower-income clients in custody disputes when possible. In select cases, she seeks pro bono approval or works strategically to help reduce legal costs while still delivering meaningful results. These matters allow her to stay connected to the values that first drew her to family law—using her skills to support those navigating high-stakes, emotionally charged legal challenges. She aims to build a practice that balances sophisticated family law representation with meaningful access to justice for those who most need it.

Theresa is known for her expertise in family law, her persuasive presence in the courtroom, and her respectful manner toward colleagues and opposing counsel. She believes civility is essential for effective advocacy and strives to uphold these standards in every aspect of her practice.

LEGAL SOLUTIONS

Mother Wins Sole Custody and Right to Relocate After Lengthy Legal Battle

In a high-conflict custody case that lasted several years, Theresa secured a favorable settlement for a mother seeking to move out of Massachusetts with her child. The resolution granted the mother sole legal custody, over $26,000 in retroactive child support, and the father’s formal agreement to the relocation—effectively safeguarding the child’s stability and the mother’s future.

Father Retains Equal Parenting Time in Contested Relocation Trial

Theresa served as second chair in a trial where a mother sought to relocate the parties’ children out of state as part of divorce proceedings. Following a contested multi-day trial, the court denied the removal request and issued a judgment awarding 50/50 shared custody, thereby preserving the father’s relationship with his children and reinforcing the importance of equitable parenting.

Strategic Business and Alimony Settlement Supports Career Transition

In a divorce involving a jointly owned business, Theresa negotiated a strategic settlement that included a lump-sum buyout reflecting the wife’s significant contributions to the growth and success of the business. The agreement also included a lump-sum alimony package, providing her client with financial security during a planned career shift—demonstrating Theresa’s ability to balance legal precision with long-term client interests goals.

CREDENTIALS

Education

  • JD, Boston University School of Law, 2019
  • BS, summa cum laude, Northeastern University, 2014

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts
AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Experience recognized

  • Best Lawyers Ones to Watch, Family Law, 2026
  • Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Family Law, 2022-2025
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2022-2025
resources

Experience in practice

Getting a Divorce in Massachusetts, Super Lawyers; Boston Globe Supplement (June 2025, Contributing Attorney)

  • Rubin Rudman, Young Professionals Group, Co-Chair
  • Rubin Rudman, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee