Early Neutral Evaluation in Minnesota: A Smarter First Step in Family Disputes

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process designed to help separating or divorcing parents resolve disputes early—before prolonged litigation. In an ENE session, one or two neutral professionals (evaluators) assess the facts of the case, offer a realistic perspective on its strengths and weaknesses, and provide informed feedback about how a judge might rule if the case were to go to trial.

Minnesota courts often recommend Early Neutral Evaluation in family law cases involving custody, parenting time, and financial matters.

There are two types of Early Neutral Evaluation:

  • Social ENE (SENE): focuses on custody and parenting time

  • Financial ENE (FENE): addresses child support, spousal maintenance, and division of assets

ENE can save families time, money, and emotional strain by encouraging early settlement and reducing the adversarial nature of court proceedings. It’s a structured, solution-focused process that empowers parents to make informed decisions while preserving co-parenting relationships.

If you’re seeking Early Neutral Evaluation services in Minnesota, Louisa Hext is a Rule 114-qualified evaluator with a compassionate, experienced, and clear-eyed approach to family conflict.


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