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.

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Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney in Rochester, NY.

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What Your Attorney Will Do for You

There are many questions that arise when a couple makes the decision to divorce.

One of the first questions is often whether lawyers need to be involved in the process. Frequently, people associate divorce attorneys with courtrooms. If you are just beginning the process of divorce, you may think that a lawyer is unnecessary unless you go to trial. Most cases are in fact settled outside of the courtroom. However, the counsel of an experienced Rochester based divorce attorney is critical regardless of whether you need to make an appearance in court.

If your divorce is uncontested, you can generally avoid going to trial. Still, you and your spouse will need to work out all of the terms of your divorce agreement before filing, and the guidance of a divorce attorney is invaluable during this process. This is particularly true if children are involved.

If your divorce is contested, for example, if you and your spouse disagree on the terms of child custody and/or child support, it may be necessary to go to trial. An experienced family court lawyer will be able to advise you on when it’s time to compromise and when it’s time to push a negotiation point to court. Navigating a trial effectively requires a great deal of skill and practice. You should always ask about courtroom experience in Rochester before employing a divorce attorney.

Your future quality of life is dependent on the terms of the resolution of your case. If children are involved, their future quality of life is also at stake. At Bates Family Law, we believe in taking a broad view of the impact of the options and factors to ensure the best possible short- and long-term outcomes for your family.

We understand that this process can be emotional. Your divorce attorney should serve not only as a source of information and skill, but as a source of compassion and strength. Most people want to move through the divorce process as quickly as possible. At Bates Family Law, we understand, and we are committed to open, honest, and timely communication. We keep you constantly informed until your case is resolved.

As each case is unique, a meeting with a divorce attorney will give you the most information about how you can best be served. At Bates Family Law, we always offer consultations, with no obligation necessary. We would love to hear from you.

Schedule a Consultation

Working with an attorney is a highly personal experience and it is of utmost importance that you feel comfortable with us. We are confident that once you get to know us, you will want to work together. You can set up your consultation by email or phone. We look forward to meeting you.

Conveniently located between Rochester and Canandaigua, servicing all of Monroe and Ontario counties including Pittsford, Brighton, Penfield, Fairport, Farmington, and Victor.

hello@batesfamilylaw.com

(585) 433-4661

79 WEST MAIN STREET
Victor, NY 14564

Local Experience Matters

Alison Bates is a Rochester divorce and family law attorney, with extensive experience in all areas of divorce and family law. Alison is a Rochester native who has dedicated her career to representing thousands of clients in both uncontested and contested divorces, child custody and child support cases, and Family Court Orders of Protection cases. Alison specializes in complex divorce cases, including handling divorces for business owners and their spouses.

Alison is a graduate of the University at Albany and Albany Law School. She has taught family law as an adjunct professor at Nazareth College and Finger Lakes Community College. Alison’s education and experience is solidly grounded in New York State law. As laws between states can vary, it is vitally important to hire a divorce attorney who has long-standing local knowledge, practice, and connections.

With an office conveniently located halfway between Rochester and Canandaigua, Alison Bates represents clients across Monroe and Ontario County. The Bates Family Law office has convenient, free parking, and a discreet entrance. We are always willing to meet by phone or through a virtual conference.

Alison Bates is an experienced Rochester divorce lawyer with an outstanding local reputation. To learn more about Alison, you can visit her biography page here. You can read more about the services Bates Family Law offers here.

Considering the Cost

Cost is a common question and concern when beginning the divorce process. There are a number of fees and expenses that are unavoidable, including court and filing fees (regardless of whether you go to trial). Factors that will affect the total cost include the type of divorce (uncontested or contested), the complexity of the case, and your attorney fees.

Attorney fees can vary considerably, even within Rochester, NY. Most divorce attorneys charge by the hour. There are a number of elements that influence that hourly rate, with the most significant being attorney experience. It is important to note that an experienced divorce attorney will often be able to complete work in less time, resulting in a lower overall cost even with a higher hourly rate.

It is typical to spend thousands of dollars in attorney fees in the resolution of your divorce. While this figure may feel daunting, it should be considered an investment in your future. A skilled divorce attorney will negotiate terms of your agreement that will ensure that you are in the most financially beneficial position possible for many years. If you need to resolve issues of child custody and/or child support, Family Court Orders of Protection cases, or you or your spouse has a business, this is particularly relevant.

The cost of an experienced divorce attorney should always be factored into the total cost of the divorce. You will not only be protecting your financial well-being, you will be investing in peace of mind that your case is being handled in the way that is most advantageous to you. At Bates Family Law, we pride ourselves on working efficiently and effectively, minimizing the number of hours you will be billed. Whenever possible, we employ a skilled paralegal (at a lower billed rate) to minimize your costs.

Cost is undoubtedly one of the most important considerations when beginning the divorce process. We understand that the financial burden may feel overwhelming. At Bates Family Law, we are committed to helping you feel comfortable with the financial commitment of divorce. We can discuss your projected costs in more detail with you during your consultation.

What our clients are saying…

There are certain divorce attorneys in Rochester, NY who are known for working primarily with men or with women. At Bates Family Law, we serve both men and women equally. We are fully versed in the specific considerations of men and women, fathers and mothers, and same-sex marriages. We take pride in a diverse clientele.

Here’s what a few of our clients have had to say about choosing the right divorce attorney. You can read more client testimonials here. and through our Google reviews.

“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. I felt that my needs and wishes were also heard and well represented. Alison is smart, competent, and responsive while also being a strong advocate, who is also extremely agile in navigating the legal system. She was able to leverage her knowledge, experience, and relationships in a strategic way to best guide and support the best interest of me and my children. I trusted her implicitly throughout this process and couldn’t be happier with her counsel!”

– Tiffany R.

“I met Alison Bates as a broken man on the brink of completely giving up. I remember leaving Alison’s office when she called my name. As I looked back I remember Alison having the most genuine smile and looking confidently into my eyes saying, “Mark, don’t worry! After our first court date on Monday you are going to feel a million times better.” You know what Alison was right.

Alison Bates is not just my attorney. Alison is a warrior who battled to make sure my son and I could be together. Alison 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 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.