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.

Learn More

Alison
Bates

Civil Litigation & Divorce Attorney

Alison Bates is a compassionate, committed attorney with extensive experience in the practice of civil litigation, divorce, and family law in Rochester. Alison has dedicated her career to representing clients in legal disputes, both uncontested and contested divorces, child custody and child support cases.

Alison is a graduate of the University at Albany and Albany Law School. As an adjunct professor at Nazareth College and Finger Lakes Community College, Alison has taught several law classes, including family law. She prides herself on fair billing practices and her fast responses to client calls and emails.

Alison takes a highly personal approach to every case. Her careful listening skills and thorough assessment of complex situations ensure the best outcomes for her clients. In addition to her extensive experience in divorce and family law, Alison also represents clients in civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, property issues, and business-related conflicts.

She has significant experience with complicated asset valuation and division, and frequently represents Rochester business owners or their spouses in divorce and business-related cases. When children are involved, Alison stands out as a strong advocate for their best interests — always balancing compassion with practical strategy to achieve lasting results.

Our Services

When you are facing a legal dispute, divorce, or family law case, it can feel like what is ahead is unmanageable. Let us help you take control of your case.

Civil Litigation Services in Rochester

When legal disputes arise, having experienced representation can make the difference between a fair resolution and a costly mistake. At Bates Family Law, we bring decades of civil litigation experience to clients throughout Rochester and the greater Monroe and Ontario County area, guiding them through each stage, from initial filings and discovery to depositions, negotiations, settlements, and, when necessary, trial.

Uncontested Divorce in Rochester

Many people do not realize that New York is a no-fault divorce state. It is no longer necessary or even common to get a legal separation before getting divorced in the Rochester area. An uncontested divorce is the fastest and most budget-friendly path to marital dissolution. Often, an uncontested divorce can be accomplished with only one party retaining a lawyer.

Contested Divorce in Rochester

When an uncontested divorce is not possible, you will want a family court lawyer with extensive trial experience. When you are considering hiring a family court lawyer, it is important to ask about the number of divorce trials they have handled in the Rochester area.

Divorce for Rochester Business Owners or their Spouses

If you or your spouse own a business, it’s crucial to hire a divorce attorney who has comprehensive experience handling business assets. Not all divorce attorneys understand business valuations or the tax consequences of businesses. The special considerations of business owners require special knowledge from your lawyer.

Child Custody

Nothing is more important than your children. If you are facing parental alienation or your children are being coached, a child custody battle can be especially difficult. We have expertly conducted countless child custody trials, including initial determinations of the best interests of the children, modifications to prior orders, enforcement proceedings, and cases of parental alienation.

Divorce Mediation in Rochester

Have you tried to work through the issues with your spouse and keep "getting stuck" in the same pattern? Our mediator helps couples shift into a new and productive way of communicating and problem solving, even while they are working towards their divorce. This family-centered process, in which the parties themselves are in control and empowered to make their own decisions, seeks to reduce the tension and trauma of divorce, not increase it. This enables couples to achieve a sense of wholeness by working together through the current issues and develop the necessary tools for resolving future differences.

Child Support

Child support is much more complicated than a basic formula or a certain percentage of income. There are multiple considerations that go into calculating child support, especially if you or the other parent work in a cash business, is underemployed, or if you share equal time with the child. We are experienced in every aspect of determining child support. If child support is already established, we can even determine, often in a phone call, whether the amount you are currently paying or receiving is fair.

Orders of Protection

If you have been served with a Family Court Order of Protection or if you feel that you need an Order of Protection to keep you or your children safe, you must act fast. An Order of Protection against you can impact your job, your ability to see your children, your right to live in your home, and your right to possess firearms. If a temporary Order of Protection was issued against you without you being present, you have a right to have the Order of Protection reevaluated right away. If you are seeking an Order of Protection, we will help you apply for the order, most often within 24 hours.

Family Law Blog

Popular Categories

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.

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

Alison
Bates

Civil Litigation & Divorce Attorney

Our Services