Uncontested Divorce:
Because Breaking Up Shouldn't Break the Bank!

Bates Family Law has streamlined the Uncontested Divorce process, offering divorcing couples in the Rochester area our most efficient and economical solution.

Child Custody

Divorce Mediation Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is divorce mediation? This is the most frequently asked question about divorce mediation. Divorce mediation is a collaborative approach to divorce where a neutral third party, the mediator, assists the couple in reaching mutually acceptable...

read more

The Power of Divorce Mediation: Empowering Couples in Rochester to Shape Their Future

Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process that can leave couples feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future. However, there is a powerful alternative to traditional divorce proceedings: divorce mediation. This collaborative and structured approach empowers couples to actively participate in the decision-making process, find mutually beneficial solutions, and preserve their relationships even in the face of dissolution. Below are a few of the compelling reasons why couples should choose divorce mediation as their preferred method of navigating this life transition.

read more

Grounds for Divorce

Divorce is a legal action that ends or dissolves a marriage. In New York State, you must have “grounds,” or a legally acceptable reason, for divorce.

read more

Advantages of Divorce Mediation in Rochester

Going through a major life event such as divorce is a significant and stressful experience. It’s not only emotionally devastating and can make you feel out of control, but the divorce process itself can be long, drawn-out and destructive to everyone involved, including your children. Divorce mediation offers a way to regain that sense of control, as well as many additional benefits when compared to a typical, lawyer-driven divorce. Follow the link to see the five biggest advantages to choosing divorce mediation.

read more

Divorce Mediation Myths in Rochester

Despite being a process that is quite possibly thousands of years old and been in use in its modern form for decades, mediation is still a mystery to many and often has many misconceptions associated with it. Divorce mediation is of course no different. Below are some of the most common divorce mediation myths debunked.

read more

How will our assets and debts be divided?

When couples marry, they merge their lives, and this most often involves a merging of finances and possessions as well. Therefore, it follows that upon dissolution of the marriage, all assets will need to be redistributed back to the two individuals and all debts will...

read more

If I move out, is that considered abandonment?

Defining Abandonment “Abandonment” is a term that often causes confusion and worry in the context of a divorce. It’s important to be clear on what constitutes abandonment if you are considering moving out of your marital home or if your spouse has left. In New York...

read more

Parental Alienation

When I first met Alison, I was a recently separated father experiencing parental alienation and was having limited access to my child despite my requests to the mother. Alison explained to me that what I was experiencing was not...

read more

What is the difference between custody and visitation?

Parents beginning the divorce process have many factors to consider when it comes to the future well-being of their child. Typically, both parents want to have as much time as possible with their child. It can be possible for divorcing spouses to work out arrangements...

read more

Confidence in the Face of Uncertainty

The following is a client-submitted testimonial... Alison helped me get my kids back in my life! I had an order of protection against me that didn’t allow me to see my kids for 3 months.  Due to covid, the courts were not taking these cases… it was torture.  Honestly,...

read more

What our clients are saying...

“Alison represented our daughter from birth until the finalization of her adoption. She was the most knowledgeable, patient, and thorough attorney we could possibly have worked with. While navigating the Family Court system can be incredibly confusing and taxing, Alison took the time to explain every step, and advocated tirelessly for the best interests of our child.”

– Julia C.

“Alison helped me get my kids back in my life! I had an order of protection against me that didn’t allow me to see my kids for 3 months... The day after the court date I was able to see my kids again... I can’t imagine what the outcome would have been if I didn’t have Alison in my corner.  Forever Grateful!”

– Mike P.

“Alison Bates is not just my attorney. Alison Bates is a warrior who battled to make sure my son and I could be together. Alison Bates was my light on a very dark, lonely and scary path. Now I look into my son's eyes and it is hard not to think about Alison and all she did in helping me maintain that unbreakable bond.”

– Mark I.

“Alison has been phenomenal during a very challenging divorce. Her empathy and compassion for my situation while being direct with the realities of the legal system were reassuring and made me feel secure in the path we were taking every step of the way...”

– Tiffany R.

“Alison was a source of compassion and support to me during a very difficult time. She is very knowledgeable and a strong advocate when needed. I appreciated her prompt responses and straightforward manner. When things became difficult, I felt glad to have her in my corner.”

– Kristen H.

When I first met Alison, I was a recently separated father experiencing parental alienation and was having limited access to my child despite my requests to the mother. Alison explained to me that what I was experiencing was not uncommon early on in the separation process and fought hard on my behalf to resolve the matter in a fair and equitable way. Alison was efficient, reliable, and provided clear communication throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend her representation in any family law or divorce proceedings.

– Cory G.

Contact us to get started.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us here.

Bates Family Law, P.C. • (585) 433-4661