A social early neutral evaluation has been implemented in Counties such as Hennepin County, where the Court can Order both parties to engage in a “snapshot” evaluation regarding custody and access schedule issues. In such a case, the parties meet with two evaluators (one male and one female) and the evaluators provide a snapshot view of their analysis after hearing from both parties and their respective attorneys. This is not a binding process and the parties do not have to agree to the recommendations of the social early neutral evaluators. However, if the parties do reach an agreement, either on a temporary basis or on a permanent basis, the Court will typically accept this agreement. If the parties do not reach an agreement, whatever is said in the meeting is confidential and cannot be presented to the Judge.

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By Farhan Hassan

August 23, 2010

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