Steve Paquette

Individuals facing divorce or separation need compassionate and skilled professionals, whether the divorce is contested, uncontested, and whether it is considered to be a “simple divorce” or a more complex divorce. They need to try to find the best divorce lawyer for their needs, and one versed in all areas of divorce and family law resolution:  Mediation, Collaborative Practice, Negotiated Settlement, or Court Litigation.

Divorce and Family Law

A certified fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) – a position achieved only by a small, specially skilled group of divorce lawyers, who many consider to be the best divorce attorneys in their field —Steve is exposed to the highest levels of thinking, writing, and professional contact involving matrimonial law, helping him become an exceptional advocate for his clients. His membership not only indicates his superior skills but also a deeper understanding of his clients’ most complex issues and situations, and the knowledge to resolve them.

Having spent the first half of his practice as a general practitioner, and the last 20 years as a divorce attorney, Steve’s diverse background in real estate law, business law, bankruptcy law, estates and trusts, civil litigation, and several other disciplines is especially advantageous to this clients, since it enables him to authoritatively guide them through the many areas that are touched by divorce.

Steve’s services include:

Designated a “Super Lawyer” by his peers, Steve helps clients navigate the often contentious and highly complicated property division issues that arise during divorce proceedings. As important, however, is his professional network of outstanding legal experts who are ready to offer counsel if further clarification or additional information on any issue is necessary.

Collaborative Divorce and Mediation

To be of further service to clients, and to reduce the anxiety, confusion and confrontation that often characterize the divorce process during divorce negotiation and trial, Steve uses his experience in collaborative law methods, a practice area that emphasizes a gentler less-combative approach.  He is past president of the Board of Directors for the CNY Collaborative Practice Group.

Many clients choose to have Steve explore this alternative method of dispute resolution, which:

• promotes reasonable decision making
• seeks to calm the process
• fosters greater empathy on each side
• facilitates a fair and equitable solution
• respects the needs of children

Learn more about the difference between collaborative divorce and mediation >>>

Background

With over four decades in the courtroom trying both jury and non-jury litigation cases, Steve is well known as a powerful advocate for his clients, an outstanding negotiator and a superior litigator. Having spent some time as a special prosecutor, Steve has a hands-on perspective of how all sides prepare for and handle cases, as well as a thorough understanding of how the court system can be best used to achieve a fair result for all parties.

His familiarity with the rules of discovery, ability to negotiate settlements within the court system, and his reputation for seeing matters to a successful conclusion on behalf of his clients even after trial when necessary, have earned Steve the trust and confidence of his clients throughout his career. In addition, his exceptionally strong background in a number of legal disciplines has given him a uniquely effective skill set that helps him evaluate and solve his clients’ problems, which often require expertise in many different kinds of law.

A highly regarded lawyer who seeks to bring a measure of compassion and understanding to every facet of his practice, and who really cares about his clients and community, Steve currently serves on the Board of Chancellors for the CNY Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, after a two year term as President of the Board of Directors, and is a past International President of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, among many other civic endeavors.

Experience

• Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Represents matrimonial matters involving family businesses, professional licenses, sophisticated retirement plans, high income and/or high assets
• Achieved resolution in dozens of matrimonial and family court matters involving divorce, custody, support and geographic relocation in Supreme Court and Family Court proceedings across the Central New York Region
• Represents matters where child custody and support issues are involved
• Won a decision after a lengthy trial regarding validity of Prenuptial Agreement involving a long term marriage and millions in assets
• Successfully advocated on behalf of client in a matrimonial matter who was able to protect millions of dollars in separate property interests from equitable distribution
• Successfully advocated on behalf of several business owners in various matrimonial matters in order to protect their interest in maintaining their business after divorce
• Advocated on behalf of several non-monied spouses in high income, high asset cases to assure that the spouse received a fair share of income and assets in divorce
• Successfully completed several collaborative law matters on behalf of both wives and husbands achieving child centered results without the need for litigation
• Works closely with several area businesses in collaboration with Bousquet Holstein PLLC colleagues to maximize economic development opportunities in Upstate New York
• Lobbied successfully for business friendly modifications to the current Empire Zone Tax Incentive Plan
• Defended two white collar criminal matters involving significant tax liabilities
• Served as Special Prosecutor on matters on appointment by County Court
• Supervised completion of dozens of commercial and residential real estate transactions

Affiliations & Acknowledgements

• New York State Council on Divorce Mediation
• Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Super Lawyers, New York State Edition, Family Law 2014-2019; 2021-2024
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Central New York Collaborative Law Professionals, Past President, Board of Directors
• National Board of Trial Advocacy
• New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
• New York State Bar Association
• Onondaga County Bar Association, Assigned Counsel Program, Board of Directors

Community Involvement

• Community General Hospital, Quality Committee Board of Directors
• Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, International Presider
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-CNY Chapter, Immediate Past President, Board of Directors
• Knights of Columbus, St. Michael’s Parish, Onondaga Hill
• Onondaga Community College, Adjunct Professor of Business Law, Member of Faculty Senate
• Onondaga County Democratic Committee, Former Chair
• Syracuse University Alumni Association
• New York State Democratic Committee, Former Member Executive Committee
• The Redhouse, Former Member Board of Directors
• Parish Council, St. Michael’s Parish
• Delta Tau Delta International Foundation Board of Directors

Education

J.D., Syracuse University College of Law, 1979
B.A., Syracuse University – S.I. Newhouse School, 1977

Admissions

New York
United States District Court, Northern and Western Districts of New York
United States Supreme Court