Your vote matters.

Some people feel confused about which judicial candidate to support: and they either don’t vote, or they vote for the person whose name they remember from a sign or a television ad. The work entrusted to the Family Court judge is far too important to base it on name recognition- you should get to know your candidates, and why they want to do this job.

The "Who", "What" and "Why" of Family Court

What is Family Court?
Family Court is a trial-level court that hears a wide variety of matters that touch on the most sensitive and emotionally-traumatizing problems and crises in a child's and families’ lives.  

What is the role of a Family Court Judge?
Matters in Family Court are heard by the judge or, if the parties consent, a Court-Appointed Referee. Child support matters (other than orders of commitment) are heard by a Support Magistrate. For matters heard before the Family Court judge, the judge decides the issues and facts: family court proceedings do not have juries. Therefore, the Family Court judge has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that a fair case is held. She has the authority to make legal decisions over the following types of cases (click on a topic to learn more):


The Family Court judge must follow the law about what evidence is received or rejected, and ensure that every party is treated fairly. The rule of law confirms that one side doesn't get an unfair advantage over the other side, and that decisions are not based on favoritism, bias or unreliable evidence. A Family Court judge must be neutral and impartial, must carefully listen to all credible and reliable evidence, and apply the correct rule of law to the determined facts before making her judgement.

Why is Paula the best candidate for Family Court Judge?
Based on her many years of experience serving Onondaga County children and families and fighting for equal access to justice as the County’s Chief Welfare Attorney, Paula Engel knows where there are issues and barriers in the child welfare, custody, and support systems; she knows where improvements can and must be made. She’ll give every family and child who comes before her an equal and complete opportunity to be heard, and will make sure that every family is given the chance they deserve to succeed and thrive – together.

Paula Engel has the knowledge, the experience, the temperament and the skills to make sure all people get a fair chance to be heard, and to have every available support and resource to be able to restore their lives. She also has the experience to recognize when the child needs a change in placement in order to ensure his or her long-term safety and welfare. The Family Court judge is dealing with real people going through the most emotionally stressful times in their lives; they deserve dignity, respect and the best chance to resolve the issues that brought them into Family Court in the first place.  

Paula Engel knows the law, she knows the available resources, and she knows how to navigate the system. As a seasoned criminal litigator with a 100% jury trial conviction rate, Paula Engel knows how to evaluate evidence, rule on the law, control the courtroom, and effectively and timely reach the right decision for the best interests of the child.


Committed to Justice with Compassion - Focused on the Welfare of our Families.

Knowledge, Temperament, and Wisdom

Paula Engel is the right candidate because she has the knowledge, the experience, the temperament and the skills to make sure that all people get a fair chance to be heard and have every available support and resource to be able to restore their lives. Paula also has the wisdom to recognize when the facts are demonstrating the need for a change in a family to ensure the long-term safety and welfare of the children in the home. 

Unmatched Legal Experience

Paula Engel knows the law, she knows the available resources, and she knows how to navigate the system. As a seasoned criminal litigator with a 100% jury trial conviction rate, Paula Engel knows how to evaluate evidence, rule on the law, control the courtroom, and effectively and timely reach the right decision for the best interests of the child.

Aware of the Important Issues 

Based on her many years of experience serving Onondaga County children and families and fighting for equal access to justice as the County’s Chief Welfare Attorney, Paula Engel knows where there are issues and barriers in the child welfare, custody, and support systems; she knows where improvements can and must be made. She’ll give every family and child who comes before her an equal and complete opportunity to be heard, and will make sure that every family is given the chance they deserve to succeed and thrive – together.