Introducing: Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is an independent written opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case by a specialised, qualified senior Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive.

It is particularly appropriate where no settlement has been possible and that one or both of the parties are considering an application to the court, but you are concerned about the cost, delay and uncertainty of court proceedings.

We accept instructions for an ENE where either both parties are represented or where one party is represented and that party has taken the responsibility for preparation of the paperwork contained in a bundle.

Early Neutral Evaluation - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Some of the features of Early Neutral Evaluation are as follows:

  1. It can be instructed at any time, but the real value is before you go to court and invest in the legal costs that arise from court directions .
  2. It is paper based evaluation; you do not have to go anywhere or talk to anybody. All of your position is based on paper to be reviewed by the evaluator.
  3. Some essential documents will be needed such as;-
    • your Forms E,
    • your mortgage capacity (if you have one),
    • where you think you and the other party should live,
    • an agreed schedule of assets and,
    • offers from each party.
    • The supporting documentation such as the bank statements etc that go with Form E.
  4. You would receive a written opinion based on likely range of outcomes.  The evaluator would aim to provide you with a strong indication of their preferred view of the outcome.  The ENE is objective and realistic.
  5. Early Neutral Evaluation is an acceptable form of NCDR for court purposes.
  6. The evaluator will be prepared to make a statement, if there is no settlement, that tells the court that you have tried to resolve your dispute away from court proceedings.

Our costs for this service range between £1750 – £3000 plus VAT, making it particularly cost effective for the needs based case.

The turnaround time for your written evaluation will be in the region of two to three weeks, depending on the diary of the evaluator.

It is really helpful if you have an asset schedule as well as an idea of the issues in dispute, so we can provide you with a quotation as fast as possible.

Call 0333 444 0003 to find out if this service is acceptable for you or for your client.

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What other forms of Non Court Dispute Resolution are available?

At Family First we offer several Non Court Dispute Resolution options. Some are suitable for before court, some both before and during court proceedings. We can help you with:

Resolution Together - Single Solicitor Divorce. One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Single Solicitor Service

Two parties: one lawyer. This is a relatively amicable solution, but you need some legal assistance before arriving at a final settlement. Takes place before any court proceedings are started.

Mediation Oxford - Family First Solicitors - Picking Sides

Mediation

Mediation involves a trained facilitator to help you negotiate from scratch, or to negotiate at any point during the court process. Mediation can take place before or during court proceedings.

Early Neutral Evaluation - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)

An independent written opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case by a specialist senior Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive. Takes place before any court proceedings are started.

Private Financial Dispute Resolution - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Private Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (pFDR)

Takes place after a court has agreed that you can try  to resolve your dispute in this way. You usually have a court order that permits you to exit the court process for a short while.

Children and NCDR

NCDR does apply to child matters as well, although where there are safeguarding concerns it is unlikely to be an appropriate process.

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Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Out of hours?

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Ready to Book?

Book your initial meeting for £180