Divorce is a deeply personal and emotional experience, often marked by feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion. Amidst this turmoil, divorce mediation through Bates Family Law stands as a beacon of hope, providing a space where empathy and understanding play a...
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.
Divorce & Family Law
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...
Divorce Mediation Steps in Rochester: Navigating the Path to Resolution
Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, but divorce mediation with Bates Family Law offers a more amicable and cost-effective alternative to the adversarial nature of traditional litigation. New York, like many other states, provides Rochester...
Protecting Your Rochester Business and Future: Why Bates Family Law is Your Ideal Divorce Partner
Divorce can be an emotionally and financially draining experience, especially when a business is involved. As a business owner in the Rochester area, you have poured your blood, sweat, and tears into building your company, and now you face the challenging task of...
Why Hiring an Attorney for an Uncontested Divorce in Rochester is Worth It
Divorce is never an easy process, but for an uncontested divorce in the Rochester area, Bates Family Law can provide you a relatively smooth and amicable resolution. While some individuals may consider handling an uncontested divorce on their own to save money, it's...
The Power of Uncontested Divorce: Helping Couples in Rochester Navigate Their Divorce
Divorce is undeniably a challenging life event that often comes with emotional and financial turmoil. However, there is a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos - the option of an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, couples in the Rochester area can navigate the...
What is a Note of Issue?
A Note of Issue is a legal document that, when filed with the court, informs the court that the case is ready for the next step. In an uncontested divorce, the Note of Issue informs the court that either through default or settlement the matter can now proceed to...
Dividing Retirement Assets
In New York State, all marital property is subject to the state’s Equitable Distribution Law. This includes, but is not limited to, assets such as real property, personal property, checking/savings accounts, and of course retirement accounts. Traditional/Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s are the types that most often come to mind and frequently are the simplest to deal with. Another type of retirement account that is waning in popularity and sometimes overlooked, but potentially holds the greatest value, is a pension.
Pensions and Divorce
In New York State, all marital property is subject to the state’s Equitable Distribution Law. This includes, but is not limited to, assets such as real property, personal property, checking/savings accounts, and of course retirement accounts. Traditional/Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s are the types that most often come to mind and frequently are the simplest to deal with. Another type of retirement account that is waning in popularity and sometimes overlooked, but potentially holds the greatest value, is a pension.
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.
Dear Rochester, Retire Well Podcast
In this episode, David Pulcini welcomes guest Alison Bates, a matrimonial and family law attorney at Bates Family Law, P.C. Together, they discuss the financial and legal considerations that come with the divorce process and answer frequently asked divorce questions.
My Two-House, Duffel-Bag Life
When my parents divorced, I lost the link that held our family together. And then I found it.
By Natalie Muñoz
What is Discovery?
In any type of legal proceeding, discovery is the most important part of the case. Discovery is the process of gathering information and documents relative to each party’s position in the case. Without discovery, an attorney cannot negotiate settlement terms or...
What is a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI)?
Every divorce case will require a judge’s involvement at some point in the matter. The judge’s involvement may be required to resolve disputes during the pendency of the case or at the end to sign off on your divorce. The only way to get a judge assigned in your case...
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...
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...
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...
Is a legal separation required prior to divorce?
A relatively widespread assumption is that a legal separation is the first step in the divorce process. However, in New York State, it is no longer necessary or even common to be legally separated before being legally divorced. A divorce is considered either...
An Experienced Advocate Through a Challenging Divorce
The following is a client-submitted testimonial... 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...
Family Law Blog

Empathy and Understanding in Rochester: The Human Element of Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce Mediation Steps in Rochester: Navigating the Path to Resolution

Protecting Your Rochester Business and Future: Why Bates Family Law is Your Ideal Divorce Partner

Why Hiring an Attorney for an Uncontested Divorce in Rochester is Worth It

The Power of Uncontested Divorce: Helping Couples in Rochester Navigate Their Divorce

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

What is a Note of Issue?

Dividing Retirement Assets

Pensions and Divorce

Grounds for Divorce

Advantages of Divorce Mediation in Rochester
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