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Minnesota's Early Neutral Evaluation Process
Minnesota's judicial system handles a vast family caseload involving everything from custody and parenting time to financial concerns. In an effort to expedite the resolution process, the state maintains an option known as early neutral evaluation. Designed in hopes of facilitating a mutually beneficial outcome, ENE may allow involved parties to avoid the most time-consuming and stressful elements of the divorce process.
According to the Department of Human Resources, Minnesota's many counties and tribes receive over 18,000 reports of abuse and neglect every year. Multiple processes are available for handling these reports and resolving the complications that underlie them. Most cases are settled through Minnesota's Family Assessment Response, but a small subset warrants a full-on investigation, as we explain below:
Getting Divorced in Your 20s — Special Considerations
Young people tie the knot later and later these days, but many still get married in their 20s — and many divorce before they reach 30. If there is a silver lining to these early divorces, it's that they tend to be less complicated than later-in-life divorces, which may include additional considerations regarding retirement or estate planning. Still, it's worth exploring the unique concerns that may come into play if you seek divorce as a twenty-something. A few of these considerations are outlined below:
The Minnesota Foster Care System 101
Foster parenting is a worthwhile endeavor in any state, but this rewarding experience is especially worth pursuing in Minnesota, where it is strongly encouraged through financial and social support. It's a popular option among those who yearn to care for children but cannot afford or are otherwise unwilling to go through with the adoption process. It's critical, however, that prospective foster parents know exactly what they're getting into — which is why we've highlighted the basics of foster parenting in Minnesota below:
Minnesota Adoption Basics
As an adoptive parent, you could make a positive difference in the life of a child who desperately needs your love and care. Options abound; you can adopt domestically or internationally through an agency. You can adopt your new spouse's child or get involved with Minnesota's foster program. No matter which avenue you pursue, you'll need to abide by local legislation. Not sure where to start? We offer a first look at the Minnesota adoption process below:
Couples who make it through the first two years of marriage stand a far better chance of also making it to their ten or even twenty-year anniversary. Many marriages end while couples are just barely emerging from the honeymoon phase, however. These divorces often differ from the splits that follow long-term marriages. If you're ready to divorce after just a few months or years, keep the following considerations in mind:
Substance abuse is unfortunately prevalent in Minnesota, where it plays a key role in the breakup of many marriages. Data collected by the Minnesota Survey of Adult Substance Usein 2014 and 2015 reveals that five percent of adult residents suffer alcohol abuse, while two percent meet established criteria defining drug use disorders. If you believe that your spouse meets these criteria — and that divorce is your best option — you'll want to proceed carefully to ensure the best outcome for you and your children.
Minnesota Resources for Domestic Abuse Victims
Domestic abuse plagues far too many Minnesota families, with data from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women revealing that a tragic 24 Minnesotans died at the hands of partners or other family members in 2017. Many others experience considerable physical and mental suffering. Few seek the help they deserve. Resources are within reach, however, and many local organizations are ready to lend a helping hand — as highlighted below.
Whether you've happily moved on from your ex or regret your divorce, you're likely to feel at least a tinge of jealousy as your former spouse hits the dating market. That jealousy will only increase if your ex enters into a serious relationship. These suggestions will help you move forward:
Common Post-Judgment Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them
A decree has been issued and the divorce drama is finally over — or is it? Sometimes, legal issues continue long after the perceived conclusion of a divorce. Unfortunately, many people let down their guard at this point, leading to major problems down the road. Read on to learn how you can avoid the most common post-judgment mistakes.
