Early Neutral Evaluations

Bloomington Early Neutral Evaluation Attorneys

Understanding Early Neutral Evaluations

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) was created to aid divorcing and separating couples in resolving child custody and financial disputes. In ENE, parties meet with a neutral team who gives them a realistic view of their situation, with the goal of coming to a settlement agreement based on the recommendations and avoiding further court intervention. ENE occurs at the outset of a case, before communications have broken down as they do through protracted litigation. ENE is different from mediation in that it is evaluative or more guided, rather than facilitative. ENE is voluntary. It is also confidential insofar as, with a few exceptions, disclosures made during the process are not communicated to the court. Rather, the Court is only apprised of the agreement or that no agreement was reached. Many parties are very successful in resolving their case or at least narrowing the issues in their case through ENE.

At Bloch and Whitehouse, P.A., we serve both as lawyers representing our clients during the ENE process as well as third-party evaluators.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced Minnesota family law attorney.

The Early Neutral Evaluation program is divided into two categories:

  • Social Early Neutral Evaluations (SENE): The Social ENE is used to help parents develop a workable parenting time (visitation) solution that focuses on the children's needs. Both attorney Bloch and attorney Whitehouse are Certified Social Early Neutral Evaluators.
  • Financial Early Neutral Evaluations (FENE): The Financial ENE is similar to the Social ENE, except that it focuses on resolving financial issues, such as property division and child support. Attorney Whitehouse is a Certified Financial Early Neutral Evaluator.

Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of the ENE process and the benefits and advantages it provides parents and their children. We are here to answer any questions you may have about ENE and represent you during the process, or serve as the neutral evaluator in your case. We can help make a positive difference in the outcome of your divorce.

Contact Bloch and Whitehouse, P.A., Today

If you would like to learn more about social early neutral evaluations and financial early neutral evaluations, we can help. Contact us online or by telephone at 952-224-9977 to speak with an experienced Minnesota divorce lawyer.

We represent men and women from Minneapolis, St. Paul and throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including Bloomington, Eagan and Burnsville. For your convenience, we offer free initial consultations and accept Visa and MasterCard.

For additional information about Minnesota's ENE program, please see http://www.mncourts.gov/district/5/?page=3264.