Allison Scollar

Allison Scollar launched her career in the legal domain as a real estate attorney in New York City, quickly ascending to partner at the prestigious Gold Scollar Moshan firm. Here, she demonstrated her prowess in managing a broad array of real estate transactions that served a vast clientele ranging from private individuals to large corporations and banks. Her professional realm extended to the arts, where she assisted artists and nonprofits in navigating legal landscapes for leasing spaces and selling artwork internationally. Furthermore, she played a crucial role in educating her community about zoning laws pertinent to artists-in-residence, and she also supported emerging musicians through her involvement on the Concert Artists Guild board, profoundly engaging in New York's vibrant cultural and nonprofit sectors.

Custody Battle and Legal Resilience

The calm of her professional life was starkly contrasted by personal turmoil when she found herself at the center of a harrowing custody battle following the abduction of her daughter by her estranged partner on July 9, 2010. This incident launched a nationwide search, culminating in the child's return by court order. The custody battle extended over several years, demanding Allison Scollar's presence in over 180 court sessions to retain custody of her daughter. This exhaustive process strained her finances and took a heavy emotional toll. The battle culminated in 2012 with a pivotal court decision that awarded her sole custody, affirming her position as the most suitable parent and striking a chord with both the LGBTQ+ community and advocates for adoptive parents.

Facing Adversity and Threats

Post-custody battle, Allison's life continued to be fraught with challenges, including severe personal threats and extortion attempts, further complicated by malicious accusations from her ex-partner. She was also victimized by an extortion scheme that led her to withdraw funds from her firm's escrow account under duress. These challenges were exacerbated by threats from an individual claiming connections with international intelligence, which brought an added layer of stress and danger to her already tumultuous life.

Advocacy and Community Contributions

Seeking to redirect her energy and expertise after these draining experiences, Allison engaged deeply with the RETI Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental justice and providing green job opportunities to marginalized communities. Under her guidance, the organization achieved significant milestones, including earning the Sax Founders Award and a noteworthy grant from Con Edison. Her advocacy is not limited to environmental issues; she also serves on the boards of PowerPlay NYC and Pen Parentis, organizations dedicated to empowering young girls and assisting parent-writers, respectively.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Allison Scollar leads a rich personal life outside her professional and advocacy work. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast, having completed the rigorous Camino de Santiago trek, and enjoys boxing, reading, and culinary pursuits. Her commitment to helping others is demonstrated through her volunteer work with God's Love We Deliver, where she supports the delivery of meals to those who are too sick to cook for themselves, showing a profound dedication to her community.

Literary Endeavors and Sharing Her Journey

With a profound array of experiences, Allison is poised to share her insights and advice through her forthcoming book, In Her Best Interests: How Family Court Destroyed Our Family (And How You Can Keep It From Destroying Yours). This memoir is designed to guide parents through the convoluted pathways of the family court system, offering empathy, support, and practical advice to those facing similar legal challenges. Her goal is to illuminate the systemic issues within the family court system and advocate for the reforms needed to prevent the suffering and challenges she endured. She aims to empower readers to navigate these daunting legal waters better.