SENE/FENE Basic Information

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) strives to move families through court efficiently and inexpensively by working with them early on to reach agreements that will foster the best interests of their families. ENE helps parties focus on the critical issues they face in a confidential, non-confrontational, and settlement-oriented alternative dispute resolution program.

In ENE, parties and their attorneys attend an ENE session with experienced evaluator(s). Each side presents its view. The evaluator(s) discuss the case alone and then share their perspective on the merits of each position. Evaluator(s) identify the key issues and predict how the case is most likely to conclude. The parties are always able to confer with their attorneys and discuss settlement. Sometimes additional meetings are scheduled.

SENE: SENE Program Description
Issues related to custody or parenting time take part in Social ENE (SENE). In those cases a two person male/female team of evaluators will work on the case.

FENE: FENE Program Description

If the issues relate to financial issues, then a Financial ENE (FENE) with a single evaluator, is used.

In either type of ENE, evaluators are highly experienced professionals who have also been formally trained to help resolve cases in the ENE program.

Over half of the cases settle during the first session and over three-fourths reach at least some agreement. Absent full resolution, the team advises the assigned judge about areas of agreement, additional needed services and how to focus future assistance on the most relevant issues.

The parties pay for the costs of ENE according to a financial or social Sliding Fee Schedule. Most who participate in ENE will save a considerable amount of time and money versus contentious litigation in a traditional court setting. ENE is, on average, fully concluded within 90 days. A full determination in a traditional court setting can easily take more than a full year’s time.

See ENE Neutrals for suggested providers