SENE/FENE Information for Clients

There is a document in MyCase that should be sent to clients once ENE gets scheduled. It explains what ENE is, how to prepare, when they will meet with the attorney, and the cost (including that they need to pay us by a certain date or we will withdraw) It’s titled ENE Information for Client (or something similar)

As part of the ENE Information for Client, we provide a guide for client’s presentation / story. Below is a copy:

Your Presentation / Story

You will have approximately 20-30 minutes to provide the neutrals will information they need to make a decision regarding custody and parenting time. This is your opportunity to convince the neutrals that your plan for the child(ren) is best. During your presentation, you will be expected to do all the talking, with little to no assistance from the attorney. That is why preparation is key! Please use the following outline to help you prepare your presentation:

☐              Background (5 minutes)

• History of your relationship with the other party, how long knew each other or were dating, how long you lived together, at what point you had children, what led to the ending of the relationship

☐              Your Child / Children (5 – 10 minutes)

• Describe their personalities, some of their favorite things, activities they are involved with
• Discuss their day-to-day routines, daycare/school schedule, childcare arrangements
• Provide examples of things you like to do with your children
• Mention any special needs the children have (medical, physical, emotional)

☐              Current Life Situation (5 – 10 minutes)

• Detail the current parenting time schedule including how often you see the kids, where you see them, how often the other parent sees them
• Discuss where you live, with who, how long, where the kids sleep if they are there, benefits to your home including location, neighborhood friends, proximity to school, parks, family, etc
• Explain where you work, how long have you been there, your specific job, your hours, and flexibility the job may have if the children are sick, have appointments, or school is canceled

☐              Plan / Proposal for you Children (5 – 10 minutes)

• Specifically describe the parenting schedule you want. Examples include week on / week off, every other weekend, 2/2/5, and 2/2/3. Discuss how exchanges will occur – who, when, where
• If summer parenting time will be different, discuss that plan
• What are you proposing for holidays and school holiday breaks?
• Why do you think this proposal is best for the kids? What parenting skills do you have that make this proposal best for the children? What about the other parent’s proposal would not work well for the children?

You may also want to reference the legal quick sheet to answer any other questions that may come up: Preparing-Your-Client-for-Early-Neutral-Evaluations.pdf