Early Neutral Assessment
Lawyers in Colorado
Modern Family Law's compassionate Colorado family law attorneys are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. We understand that disputes can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining, which is why we are proud to offer early neutral assessment (ENA) as an alternative dispute resolution option.
Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the ENA process and have helped many clients resolve their disputes through this method. We are committed to helping our clients understand their legal rights and options, and to working with them to find the most efficient and effective resolution possible. Learn more about early neutral assessment in Colorado:
Our experienced Colorado custody attorneys understand that no case is the same. We encourage you to reach out and share the details of your case with them so they can provide you with the guidance you need. We are here to support you and ensure that your relationship with your child is preserved.
WHAT IS
EARLY NEUTRAL ASSESSMENT?
Early Neutral Assessment (ENA) is a process used in Colorado to resolve disputes between parties before a trial. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows parties to have their dispute evaluated by a neutral third party, known as an Early Neutral Assessor (ENA). The ENA will assess the strengths and weaknesses of each party's case and provide a non-binding evaluation of the likely outcome if the case were to proceed to trial. This can help parties to reach a settlement or understand the risks of proceeding to trial.
The ENA process is confidential and voluntary. Early neutral assessment in Colorado is solely focused on child custody-related issues helping parents make educated decisions about the parenting plan for their children.
Colorado law defines early neutral assessment as a means of intervention in a case to help the involved parties evaluate and simplify the issues at hand. Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-22-302 states the following:
“Early neutral evaluation means an early intervention in a lawsuit by a court-appointed evaluator to narrow, eliminate, and simplify issues and assist in case planning and management. Settlement of the case may occur under early neutral evaluation.”
HOW DOES THE EARLY NEUTRAL
ASSESSMENT PROCESS WORK?
WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE
EARLY NEUTRAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS?
In Colorado, the early neutral assessment process is designed to address parenting plan topics that are not associated with finances. Some of the topics open for assessment include:
- Decision-Making
- Parenting Time with Each Parent
- Where the Children will Live
- Holiday and Vacation Schedules
- Communication Between Parents
- Special Needs of the Children
- Moving Out of State
Additionally, any topics that are related to the best interest of the children involved can be discussed and assessed during the ENA.
HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE
EARLY NEUTRAL ASSESSMENTS?
Early neutral assessments have been shown to be successful in resolving disputes without the need for a trial. Studies have indicated that a significant percentage of cases that go through ENA are settled before trial, which can save time, money, and resources for all parties involved. Additionally, ENA can provide parties with valuable insights into the likely outcome of their case, which can help them make more informed decisions about whether to settle or proceed to trial. Having professional and unbiased third-party opinions has been proven to help with establishing a child-focused pattern of decision-making in the process and removing ulterior motives.
When parents are actively engaged in forming solutions for their children they tend to be happier with the results. It has also been found that this process helps parents with approaching and collaborating on future decisions regarding their children as well.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR
EXPERIENCED EARLY NEUTRAL EVALUATION LAWYERS IN COLORADO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
EARLY NEUTRAL ASSESSMENTS IN COLORADO
How Much Does Early Neutral Assessment Cost?
In Colorado, the early neutral assessment costs $400 per party.
Who Are The Evaluators In An Early Neutral Assessment?
The early neutral assessment process will provide two professionals from different backgrounds as neutral evaluators. The evaluators are experienced in helping families and working with the legal system. One of the evaluators will be a family lawyer and the other will be a mental health professional such as a psychologist. Of the two evaluators in an ENA one will be a female and one will be a male. This composition of professionals helps to create a well-rounded and comfortable environment for the participating parties to receive valuable feedback and come to decisions regarding the well-being of their children.
Who Participates In An Early Neutral Assessment?
The parents, their attorneys (if applicable), and two ENA team members come together to create a parenting plan. A judicial officer joins the meeting at the start. If the parents reach an agreement, they proceed to the courtroom to formalize the plan with the judge.
OUR COLORADO CHILD CUSTODY LOCATIONS
COLORADO SPRINGS
CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS
9362 Grand Cordera Pkwy Suite 205,
Colorado Springs, CO 80924
FORT COLLINS
CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS
3711 John F Kennedy Pkwy Suite 225,
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 410-8241
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