Early Neutral Evaluation

Resolve Family Law Disputes Early Through Early Neutral Evaluation

When you are facing a divorce or child custody dispute, you may be able to resolve many issues before your case progresses through lengthy and expensive litigation. Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a Minnesota alternative dispute resolution process designed to help families identify realistic solutions early in a case, often saving time, expense, and unnecessary conflict.

At Frago & Lasswell, P.A., our practice is devoted exclusively to family law. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys help clients understand their legal options and determine whether Early Neutral Evaluation is an appropriate way to resolve family law disputes.

What Is Early Neutral Evaluation?

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a confidential, voluntary, and evaluative alternative dispute resolution process that helps parties reach an early settlement without going to trial in a family law case. Depending on the issues involved, the evaluation may focus on financial matters (Financial Early Neutral Evaluation or FENE) or issues involving children, such as custody and parenting time (Social Early Neutral Evaluation or SENE).

The process is conducted by experienced neutral evaluator(s) who listen to both parties, review the relevant information, and provide an evaluation of how a court may view the issues. This early feedback often helps parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions, encourages productive settlement discussions, and may help resolve disputes without the time and expense of litigation.

What Is the Difference Between FENE and SENE?

Minnesota offers two primary types of Early Neutral Evaluation.

Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)

FENE focuses on financial issues such as the division of marital assets and debts, child support, and spousal maintenance. A neutral evaluator reviews the financial information, provides candid feedback, and helps the parties work toward a fair resolution.

Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE)

SENE focuses on issues involving children, including child custody and parenting time. A gender-balanced team, typically consisting of an attorney and a child development professional, evaluates the family’s circumstances and provides recommendations based on the children’s best interests. This process often helps parents better understand how a court may view custody and parenting issues while encouraging cooperative decision-making.

What Are the Benefits of Early Neutral Evaluation?

Many families choose Early Neutral Evaluation because it provides valuable insight at the beginning of a case. Potential benefits include:

  • An early, objective evaluation of important issues.
  • A better understanding of how a court may view your case.
  • The opportunity to resolve disputes before lengthy litigation.
  • Reduced legal expenses and time spent in court.
  • A process that encourages cooperation and informed decision-making.
  • A confidential process.

Although many cases are successfully resolved through ENE, participation does not require either party to accept the evaluator’s recommendations. If an agreement cannot be reached, the parties may continue negotiating or proceed through the traditional court process.

Contact Us

Learn Whether Early Neutral Evaluation Is Right for You

Every family law case is different. The attorneys at Frago & Lasswell, P.A., can explain how Early Neutral Evaluation works, help you prepare for the process, and advise you throughout your case so you can make informed decisions about your future.

To schedule a consultation, call 507-663-7998 or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early Neutral Evaluation helps parties better understand the strengths and challenges of their case while encouraging early settlement discussions that may reduce conflict, time, and expense.

FENE addresses financial issues such as property division, child support, and spousal maintenance. SENE focuses on child custody and parenting time by providing feedback centered on the children’s best interests.

No. Early Neutral Evaluation is a confidential and voluntary process. The evaluator provides feedback and recommendations, but the parties decide whether to reach an agreement.

No. Mediation focuses on helping the parties negotiate an agreement with the assistance of a neutral mediator. Early Neutral Evaluation includes an objective evaluation of the issues and feedback about how the case may be viewed if it proceeds through the court system.

While not required, an experienced family law attorney can prepare you for the process, explain your legal rights, evaluate settlement options, and help protect your interests throughout the ENE process.