Allison Scollar
Allison Scollar
Consultant
Allison Scollar began her career as a distinguished real estate attorney in New York City, where she became a partner at Gold Scollar Moshan. She expertly managed various aspects of real estate transactions, assisting individuals, businesses, and financial institutions with sales, acquisitions, and leases. Beyond her specialization in real estate law, she collaborated with artists, galleries, and nonprofits, helping them lease spaces and sell artwork internationally. Her commitment extended to legal education on artist-in-residence zoning issues and supporting artists through legal structures. Additionally, she contributed her expertise to the Concert Artists Guild board, aiding young musicians in advancing their careers, and remained an active participant in New York's cultural and charitable sectors.
A Pivotal Legal Battle
However, her life altered dramatically due to a high-profile custody battle that began on July 9, 2010, when her estranged partner abducted their daughter, leading to a nationwide search that concluded with a judge ruling in Allison's favor. Despite winning custody, she faced over 180 court appearances to maintain it, battling against both the legal challenges and the emotional and financial toll they exacted. In 2012, after adopting her daughter during a same-sex relationship with her daughter's biological mother, a New York Family Court recognized her as the "more responsible parent" and awarded her sole custody, a landmark decision for the LGBTQ+ community and adoptive parents.
Enduring Challenges and Extortion
The custody victory did not end her struggles. Allison Scollar continued to face relentless litigation, extortion attempts, and personal threats, including baseless accusations from her ex-partner that led to a distressing ordeal for her daughter. During this period, she also became entangled in an extortion scheme by a family friend, which compelled her to withdraw funds from her firm's escrow account under duress, leading to subsequent legal difficulties. She recalls these actions as desperate measures taken in the face of threats from someone claiming connections to international intelligence.
Advocacy Through the RETI Center
Seeking to move past these challenges, she significantly redirected her focus toward advocacy and community service through her involvement with the RETI Center. This nonprofit organization aids low-income communities in obtaining green jobs and promoting environmental justice and sustainable development. Her efforts have helped the center gain recognition and support, such as the Sax Founders Award and a grant from Con Edison. Her advocacy extends to her board role at PowerPlay NYC, empowering young girls, and her participation with Pen Parentis, supporting parents who are writers.
Engaging in Personal and Charitable Activities
Allison leads an active and fulfilling personal life outside her professional and advocacy roles. She is an avid hiker and climber, having completed the Camino de Santiago, and enjoys boxing, reading, and cooking. She is dedicated to charitable efforts, volunteering with God's Love We Deliver to provide meals to the critically ill.
A New Chapter as an Author
Allison Scollar is now poised to share her journey more widely with her upcoming book, In Her Best Interests: How Family Court Destroyed Our Family (And How You Can Keep It From Destroying Yours). Through this memoir, she aims to offer support and guidance to other parents navigating family court, spotlighting the system's flaws and advocating for reform to spare others the trauma she endured.