Early Neutral Evaluation

The Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a voluntary, alternative dispute resolution process that was developed in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The goal is to assist parents reach an agreement regarding custody, primary residential responsibility and/or timesharing, in an effort to minimize the negative impact that a contentious custody battle can have on a child. The issue of child support is not addressed.

An ENE session lasts from two to three hours depending on the nature of the case. The parties to the case meet with a two person team, one male and one female, who are trained in child development and family issues. The process begins with the parties presenting their positions. Each side responds briefly and the evaluators ask clarifying questions. Next, the ENE team consults privately and then returns to present their opinions and explore settlement options with the parties and their attorneys. If an agreement is reached, it is submitted to the judge presiding over the case. If the parties are unable to come to an agreement, no details of what transpired during the session are reported back to the judge, only the fact that no agreement was reached. Neither the evaluators nor their notes can be subpoenaed.

ENE sessions are available to all families residing in any of the counties of the 19th Circuit. However, sessions are only performed at the St. Lucie West Courthouse Annex. If you have any questions regarding the Early Neutral Evaluation process, please contact Marc Traum at (772) 807-4382 or Kara Krueger at (772) 807-4375.