Neutral Evaluation
Neutral Evaluation (NE) is a service where a two-person panel listens to both sides of your case and gives you honest feedback. The panel includes a neutral legal professional and either a social worker or a financial professional, depending on your case.
Think of it as getting a reality check from experts who have seen many cases like yours. They can tell you what is working in your favor and what is not, so you can make a smarter decision about whether to settle or go to trial.
What happens in a session?
- Each party has up to 15 minutes to share their side of the story.
- Each attorney has up to 5 minutes to speak.
- A Guardian ad Litem (GAL), the person appointed by the Court to represent your child’s best interests, has up to 20 minutes to give a report, if one is involved in your case.
- The Rules of Evidence do not apply; you can speak freely without fear of objections.
- The panel steps out, talks privately, then comes back with feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of each side.
- After feedback, you and the other party can negotiate and try to settle the case.
- Most sessions are completed in 3 to 6 hours.
- Everything shared is confidential.
This service is a good fit if:
- Your case is headed toward a trial and you want expert feedback first.
- You want to know how a magistrate or judge might view your case before risking a trial.
- You want to stay in control of the outcome rather than letting a judge decide everything.
How to Get Started:
- Your case will be referred to Settlement Week by court staff, GAL, or you or your attorney may request a referral.
- Once referred, the Court will contact you to set your date and time.
- If accepted for neutral evaluation you will receive a court order with your session details and additional instructions.
- Show up on your scheduled date. Attendance is required by court order.