Early Neutral Evaluation, Moderated Settlement, Consensual Special Magistrate
Susan Chambers has received the trainings necessary and is qualified as a social early neutral evaluator and a financial neutral evaluator.
ENE is a newer form of Alternative Dispute Resolution, first begun in Minneapolis. The 5th Judicial District and the 3rd Judicial District shared in a pilot program in place for Social ENE. Susan Chambers served on the implementation work panel for that project. Since 2014 she has trained new SENE team members. She serves as an Evaluator for both Social and Financial ENE in all counties and is on the roster of more than one judicial district.. She follows the fee schedule of the District for ENE charges, and can partner with many different Evaluators
Social ENE is a early evaluation of custody and parenting time cases, conducted by a team of two neutrals--one male and one female; one with legal background and one with child development background. They give each party an opportunity to explain their position in the lawsuit, and then evaluate the case and suggest possible areas of agreement outside of court. ENE is available by contacting Susan Chambers at 507-278-4700 or [email protected] or working with the ENE Coordinator of the Judicial District where your case is filed, or any county court administrator.
FINANCIAL ENE is an early evaluation of financial issues of divorce, and can be conducted by one neutral who has extensive background in dissolution financial issues. Susan has an extensive background and can assist you in resolving your differences.
Moderated Settlement Conference Facilitator
Moderated Settlement Conferences take place later in the litigation process, and helps you evaluate your chances when appearing in front of a judge, to allow you to reach your own agreements and avoid trial. Susan serves as a MSC Facilitator and her nearly five years of experience as the Blue Earth County Family Court Referee will allow her to help you understand what the judicial officer is determining when you come in front of them. She can evaluate your siguation based on her first hand experiences in the courtroom.
CONSENSUAL SPECIAL MAGISTRATE
This process takes the place of a judicial opinion. The rules require that a court reporter be used, the presentation is the same manner as presented to a judge, and a stipulation of the parties and attorneys and a court order appointing the CSM is required. A CSM can be used for one issue, or it can be used for entire case and the CSM has the same authority as a District Court Judge or Referee. Detailed findings are prepared within 90 days of a hearing. Decisions are appealable to the Court of Appeals. The benefit of using a CSM is obtaining a opinion from someone with full knowledge of family law issues, rapid resolution of issues, a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere for the hearing and the ability to appeal. I charge $175.00 per hour, with a retainer of $1,000.00 to be paid before the trial, and any balance due before the opinion is issued. The process can take place at a courthouse, I am responsible for booking the room. The parties are responsible for hiring the court reporter.