Overview
Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) is a process that seeks resolution to custody and parenting issues. Through an SENE, both parents are able to address custody and parenting time issues and receive recommendations from experienced neutral evaluators.
- The parties receive recommendations from the evaluators about the potential outcome if their case went to trial.
- SENE creates a non-confrontational and confidential setting that allows both parties to focus on the critical issues at hand.
- In most cases, disputes can be resolved quickly without going to court, saving the parties both time and money.
The SENE process enhances the ability of the parties to effectively co-parent their child(ren) in the future.
SENE Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a two-person evaluative team meets with the parents and their attorneys. During the session, each party is given the opportunity to introduce the evaluators to their child or children; explain what they would like for a custody and parenting time arrangement, and why or how this arrangement works for the child or children.
During the process, the evaluators often ask clarifying questions. After the first party explains his or her position, the second parent is given an opportunity to do the same. Each party is allowed time to respond to any statements made by the other party.
After the presentations, the evaluative team confers and develops recommendations based on what they believe the Court would order if the case went to trial. The session reconvenes and the evaluators present their recommendations and explain the reasoning behind the recommendations.
A confidential evaluative process designed to facilitate prompt dispute resolution in family court matters involving custody and parenting time with minor children. Evaluators presiding over an SENE are specifically tasked to give their recommendations as a way to help the parties reach a settlement.
