Individuals facing divorce or separation, whether contested or uncontested, and whether the divorce is considered to be a “simple divorce” or a more complex divorce, need compassionate, skilled professionals. 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.
Individuals facing divorce must resolve complex and highly sensitive legal issues using principals of divorce and family law, whether ultimately resolved through separation, negotiation or trial – will benefit from Steven A. Paquette’s broad legal background with over 35 years successful experience in the courtroom, and his access to the multidisciplinary expertise and seasoned counsel of the top legal professionals at Bousquet Holstein.
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 19 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, including:
- custody
- alimony and spousal support
- child support
- equitable distribution of marital assets
- business and enhanced earnings valuation
- taxes and estate planning
Steve has earned an AV rating from his peers, which is reserved for attorneys who are considered both “preeminent” in their field of practice and “highly ethical”. He received further peer recognition through is repeatedly being designated as a “Super Lawyer. 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.
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
With over three 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 as International President of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, among many other civic endeavors.
