When my parents divorced, I lost the link that held our family together. And then I found it.
By Natalie Muñoz
My Two-House, Duffel-Bag Life
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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.
Family Court
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...
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...
Bright Future for New Family
The following is a client-submitted testimonial... 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...
What happens if my spouse and I can’t agree on child support or child custody?
In an ideal world, you and your spouse will agree to the terms of your legal separation or divorce. This is often not the case, though, when both parties are looking to protect their rights and assets as best they can. If you and your spouse can’t come to an agreement...
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,...
Father and Son Reunited
The following is a client-submitted testimonial... As a soldier in the army and a nurse in the community I have faced some of the most difficult challenges imaginable. My son was born with some complex medical problems and spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care...
Family Law Blog
Empathy and Understanding in Rochester: The Human Element of Divorce Mediation
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 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.
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.
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.
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