What is Early Neutral Evaluation?
Lisa Pepper
Table of Contents
Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution where the separated couple invites a neutral third party to give an opinion or indication on their case.
Early Neutral Evaluation in Family Law
In family cases, early neutral evaluation involves a neutral third party, usually a family law solicitor, and in some instances, a Judge, who provides an objective assessment of the likely outcome of a dispute. This process is often used in family law to give parties a clearer view of their case before it progresses to a formal court hearing.
Is an Early Neutral Evaluation hearing right for your family case?
An Early Neutral Evaluation hearing is a useful process in both financial and children’s disputes, offering an impartial assessment before a case reaches court.
Early neutral evaluation is often utilised in financial disputes, particularly in cases where there would be a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing. In children’s cases, an ENE hearing often aligns with a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), such as in cases involving a parental dispute about the arrangements for their children after separation.
What are the benefits of ENE?
The primary benefit of Early Neutral Evaluation is that it allows the couple to still make the important decisions arising from their separation and what compromises they are willing to make, but they get to hear, together, what their chosen ‘Judge’ thinks is the fair outcome, having heard the legal arguments from their respective legal teams and the particular circumstances of their case.
The separated couple would usually have the benefit of the evaluator over several hours and that person will have been fully briefed by their lawyers and know the case and the arguments in a very detailed way – having more time than a Court based Judge would to consider all the information.
What are the challenges with Early Neutral Evaluation?
The challenge of ENE is that the evaluator is giving an indication – not imposing the answer. It falls short of ending the matter if the couple still cannot find a compromise having heard the view of their evaluator. The majority of cases, however, do settle once that view has been provided.
Early Neutral Evaluation can be a bespoke service, so the evaluator can be asked to give a view on one aspect of the case if preferred, or the entirety of the issues in dispute.
In financial cases on divorce, ENE is known as a Private Financial Dispute Resolution hearing (‘pFDR’). In children’s cases, ENE is known as just that.
If, however, you feel that you and your spouse need the decisions imposed on you, and you won’t be able to find a compromise even having heard from an evaluator, then you could consider arbitration.
Early Neutral Evaluation is not considered suitable in children’s cases where there are allegations of domestic abuse or risk of harm because those allegations would need to be properly considered first, and it is more likely the case will be considered by the court following Practice Direction 12J.
The benefits of these forms of NCDR, are that they are less adversarial and proceed far quicker than going to court process – so that you can both move forward as a separated family in a dignified and constructive way, far more likely to be able to co-parent, and with less of the family resources spent on legal fees.
Get expert advice on Early Neutral Evaluation
Lisa Pepper is a highly experienced family law specialist with extensive knowledge of the Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) process. She regularly guides her clients through every step of this invaluable alternative dispute resolution method.
If you require support or guidance regarding Early Neutral Evaluation in Family Law, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lisa or one of our dedicated family lawyers.
You can contact us by:
- Filling in our online enquiry form
- Calling us on 020 7485 8811
Share this article
Contact
Speak to us about Early Neutral Evaluation
For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811
Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you
Lisa Pepper – one of the best mediators around, whose very reasonable rates don’t reflect her excellent client base
Lisa Pepper is a great go-to solicitor for anyone wanting quick and appropriate advice
Lisa Pepper at Osbornes is hugely approachable. She is calm, clients always praise her. Underneath her calm and approachable exterior is an excellent legal brain
I am confident that Lisa will do her utmost to try and settle matters so that both parties walk away feeling satisfied that they have managed to reach a fair outcome with the assistance of a professional mediator.
Lisa Pepper is robust, competent and knowledgeable and is always keen to try and help parties settle without intervention of the court.
Lisa Pepper is an outstanding mediator. She gets results in very difficult cases. She works extremely hard to get a good outcome for clients who mediate with her
Lisa Pepper- she has a great combination of skills. She is empathetic, approachable and calm, and has good legal judgment. She inspires confidence and trust
"Lauren is hugely energetic and always pleasant to deal with."
"Lauren brings a great degree of humanity and warmth to her cases, as well as a great deal of knowledge in international abduction."
"Lauren is a very experienced children lawyer who is astute as to what the issues are."
"Lisa Pepper is good at making herself available to clients and has a real focus on finding pragmatic solutions."
"Lisa Pepper is a complete all rounder. Her mediation skills are second to none. She is kind and compassionate and knows the law inside out!."
"Lisa Pepper is ‘compassionate, supportive and committed to hear clients, with a very warm manner."
"Lisa Pepper is fantastic. She goes the extra mile for her clients and is a superb mediator."
"Osbornes has a hugely experienced mediation team with Andrew Watson, Bridget Thompson and Lisa Pepper who are able to offer financial and children mediation for a range of cases including those that are highly complex involving challenging clients."
"Lisa Pepper is fantastic with people and generates calm in her meetings to help clients give of their best."
I can’t think of anyone who would handle a mediation better than Lisa.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
"Lisa Pepper was recommended to me as non-nonsense and able to help me with a difficult and confrontational divorce. She more than lived up to that – she was practical, collected and always available with a clear opinion and suggestions of how to move forwards. She also was open and helpful about costs and how to mitigate them"
"Lisa Pepper is an outstanding mediator. She is very skilled and has an empathetic and professional approach which is comforting for clients. She never imposes her own view but is even handed and provides helpful guidance to clients so that they can make empowered decisions"
"Lisa Pepper has built up a very impressive mediation practice. She is very engaging and easy to relate to. She embodies mediation in the sense that she approaches her case in a very non-judgmental fashion and can quickly gain the confidence of those with whom she is mediating"
"Lisa Pepper is a brilliant mediator who produces results. She is effective at resolving matters without the need for the parties to engage in expensive and protracted litigation"
"Lisa Pepper is a fantastic mediator. She is fair, robust when she needs to be, and finds a way of facilitating agreements in the hardest of cases. Her guidance is spot on. She has an approachable and constructive mediation style"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
Lisa Pepper is extremely approachable and this shines through in the outcomes she achieves from mediation. She makes clients feel at ease, which enables them to feel empowered to resolve matters amicably and find a creative outcome which many mediators may have overlooked.
Lisa Pepper is building a very strong mediation practice at very competitive rates and is able to build a rapport quickly with almost anyone.
Lisa Pepper loves her work and has a very sensible head on her. That means her practice is thriving and rightly so.
Lisa Pepper is very thorough in her preparation and has super personal skills to put parties in mediation at ease
Lisa Pepper – good litigator, very friendly and approachable but tough, “straight bat” with the opposition. Can steer a client deftly to settle when he should.
Lisa Pepper gave me clear, level-headed and sensible advice during her handling of my divorce, and she demonstrated excellent understanding of the relevant law. She was on my side but fair and pragmatic, and her advice was always given with an eye to what was both equitable and achievable, and in line with the collaborative approach I’d wanted.
Lisa Pepper is particularly recognised for her role as a mediator in complex cross-border disputes. Her practice also includes handling prenuptial agreements and issues arising from the dissolution of civil partnerships.
"Lisa Pepper is "caring and considerate of the issues behind a matter, and will speak directly if she feels clients need that advice."
"The very personable and client-focused Lisa Pepper."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Lisa can handle the large and complicated cases but takes equal care with the smaller cases. She is a highly skilled mediator who is a consummate professional."
Lisa Pepper is a skilled collaborative lawyer. Her instinct is always to resolve matters without compromising her clients’ interests.
Lisa Pepper is always looking for a solution and has a very sympathetic approach to clients. She is highly regarded for her collaborative law practice.
Lisa Pepper deals with separation proceedings and leave to remove cases. Sources describe her as "a great person to work with: constructive, helpful and always infectiously happy.
Accreditations
Related to ENEVIEW ALL
1.10.2024Borrowing Money for Legal Fees in Divorce
What if I can’t afford a lawyer for my divorce? When navigating a divorce, it is widely understood that...
Read more- 27.9.2024
Navigating Divorce, Child Arrangements, and the Jewish Festivals:...
Going through a divorce is challenging enough, but when you’re a Jewish couple with differing levels of religious observance,...
Read more 
25.9.2024Who Pays the Debts After Divorce?
Am I liable for my husband’s debts if we are separated? Debt is a significant source of stress for...
Read more- 25.9.2024
What Happens to Savings & Investments in Divorce?
Is my spouse entitled to my savings and investments if we divorce? During the divorce process, both parties should exchange...
Read more - 23.9.2024
International footballer fails to comply with financial disclosure
UD v TQ: The importance of complying with financial disclosure Recent divorce case involving an unnamed international footballer is a...
Read more - 20.9.2024
What is a Pension Attachment Order?
Guide to Pension Attachment Orders Pensions are quite often valuable assets in a marriage. In some cases, they can be...
Read more - 6.9.2024
Uncontested Divorce
What is an Uncontested Divorce? Since no-fault divorces were introduced on 6 April 2022, respondents in divorce proceedings no longer have the...
Read more - 5.9.2024
Legal Separation vs Divorce
Legal Separation Versus Divorce: What Are Your Options? Divorce is not the only option when a marriage breaks down. Some...
Read more - 27.8.2024
Pension Sharing Orders
Pension Sharing in Divorce With so many things to consider when dividing up your finances during a divorce or dissolution...
Read more - 20.8.2024
What is pension offsetting?
In this article, we will explore the concept of pension offsetting and how it can play a crucial role in...
Read more - 20.8.2024
Do You Have to Divorce in the Country...
How to divorce if you married abroad People choose to get married abroad for various reasons. Some couples want an...
Read more - 12.8.2024
NA v LA [2024] EWFC 113: Judge Orders Non-Court Dispute...
Financial Claims: Judges Can Order Parties To Attempt Non-Court Dispute Resolution As was expected, the court has been quick to...
Read more - 8.8.2024
Wife’s Award Increased Due to Failure To...
Understanding the Impact of Changed Circumstances on Prenuptial Agreements Prenuptial agreements have become the norm where a husband or wife...
Read more - 5.8.2024
Why Did Lauryn Goodman Take Kyle Walker to...
Introduction to the case After a judge took the unusual step of making his judgement public, we’re starting to...
Read more - 1.8.2024
Standish v Standish: Court of Appeal Decision on...
Court of Appeal reduces wife’s divorce award by £20million Dealing with financial matters on divorce can be complex. And...
Read more 
1.8.2024Matrimonial vs Non-Matrimonial Assets
Matrimonial vs Non-Matrimonial Assets in Divorce During a divorce, people often make the mistake of assuming that everything they own...
Read more- 1.8.2024
What is a Periodical Payments Order?
Periodical Payments Orders in Divorce Throughout the process of a divorce or when unmarried couples with children split up, there...
Read more - 1.8.2024
What is a Lump Sum Order?
Lump Sum Orders in Divorce When a relationship breaks down, as well as legally ending the marriage through a no-fault...
Read more - 25.7.2024
What is a Property Adjustment Order?
Property Adjustment Orders in Divorce As part of the divorce process, separated couples must decide how they are going to...
Read more 
11.7.2024Unmarried With Children and Splitting Up
Unmarried with Children? What are your Financial Rights? Know Your Financial Rights Under Schedule One Children Act 1989 A claim under...
Read more- 14.6.2024
What Happens If You Have a Joint Mortgage...
Understanding whether you can keep a joint mortgage after divorce is crucial, especially if both parties are still liable for...
Read more - 10.6.2024
What is Financial Disclosure in Divorce?
Introduction to divorce financial disclosure A divorce ends your marriage but it doesn’t end your financial ties to your...
Read more 
7.6.2024What is a Clean Break Order?
In this article, we will explore the concept of a clean break order, examining its advantages and disadvantages. We will...
Read more- 6.6.2024
Court reduces Wife’s award by £20 million
The biggest “Divorce Cut” in legal history Court of Appeal judges have just made history by reducing the divorce award...
Read more
