About

About Allison Scollar

Allison Scollar is a New York-based consultant specializing in sustainable energy. She works with developers and municipalities to reduce their carbon footprint. A former award-winning real estate attorney, she transitioned into non-profit work after a personal and public legal battle over her daughter’s custody. Allison is also involved in community service, helping low-income communities secure green jobs through her work with the RETI Center.

Early Career as a Real Estate Attorney

Allison began her professional journey as a real estate attorney in New York City. As a partner at Gold Scollar Moshan, she managed all aspects of real estate transactions, working with individuals, businesses, and banks on sales, acquisitions, and leases.

Her work wasn’t limited to real estate law. Allison also collaborated with artists, galleries, and non-profits to lease spaces, sell artwork internationally, and support various cultural and charitable initiatives. She became involved in artist-in-residence zoning issues, educating others on the importance of supporting artists through legal frameworks. She also served on the board of the Concert Artists Guild, helping young musicians launch their careers, and was actively involved in New York’s cultural and non-profit scene.

The Landmark Custody Case

Despite her successful career, Allison’s life took a dramatic turn when she was in a high-profile and prolonged custody battle.

On July 9, 2010, Brook Altman, her soon-to-be ex-partner, kidnapped Harrison, leading to a cross-country chase that ended only when a judge ordered the child’s return to Allison’s care. Despite this and other dangerous actions, the legal system continued to allow Brook Altman to challenge Allison’s custody, resulting in over 180 appearances in Court to change the custody arrangement. These legal battles were emotionally and financially draining, and they consumed Allison’s life for over a decade.

In 2012, a New York Family Court awarded her custody of her daughter, Harrison. Allison adopted Harrison while in a same-sex relationship with Harrison’s biological mother, Brook Altman. The judge in the case, Gloria Sosa-Linter, ruled that Allison was the “more responsible parent” and granted her sole custody, a decision that resonated deeply with the LGBTQ+ community and adoptive parents alike.

The decision, however, did not bring peace to Allison’s life. Instead, it marked the beginning of years of relentless litigation, extortion attempts, and personal threats. Her ex-partner’s attempts to undermine her parenting and personal life even involved false allegations, including a claim that Allison had sexually abused her daughter, which led to a traumatic and unnecessary medical examination for the child.

Facing Threats and Extortion

During this tumultuous time, Allison also became a victim of an extortion scheme. A trusted family friend manipulated her into withdrawing funds from her law firm’s escrow account, which led to legal troubles. Although Allison deeply regrets her involvement, she explains that her actions were driven by desperation to protect her daughter from further harm. At one point, she was threatened by an individual who claimed to have ties to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, and was told that terrible things would happen if she did not comply with their demands.

Advocacy and the RETI Center

Shortly thereafter, Alison redirected her energy toward more positive endeavors. She became heavily influenced by the RETI Center, a non-profit organization focused on helping low-income communities access green jobs. As a board member, Allison plays a key role in the organization’s growth, helping develop programs promoting environmental justice and sustainable development. The RETI Center’s work has earned recognition, including second place in the Sax Founders Award and a Con Edison grant.

In addition to her work with the RETI Center, Allison has continued to use her voice to advocate for change. She serves on the board of PowerPlay NYC, a non-profit that empowers young girls through sport and play, and remains involved with Pen Parentis, an organization that supports parents who are writers.

Hobbies and Personal Life

Beyond her professional and advocacy work, Allison enjoys an active personal life. She is an avid hiker and climber, having recently completed the Camino de Santiago, a long-distance pilgrimage route across Spain. She also enjoys boxing, reading, and cooking.

Allison is also committed to philanthropy. She has volunteered with God’s Love We Deliver, an organization that provides meals to individuals who are too sick to cook for themselves.

Sharing Her Story

Allison has recently decided to share her story more publicly in her forthcoming book, In Her Best Interests: How Family Court Destroyed Our Family (And How You Can Keep It From Destroying Yours). In this book, she tells the story of her harrowing legal battle and offers insight, empathy, and practical advice for other parents facing similar challenges. Her goal is to shine a light on the biases and inadequacies of the family court system and help others avoid the trauma she endured.