ADR Services

Novelli Lutz is experienced in providing various Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes, including custody evaluations and parenting consultant services, to assist parties in resolving their disputes.

Parenting Consultant Services

J. Lee Novelli, Esq. offers Parenting Consultant services.  Parenting Consulting is an effective intervention that can help reduce parental conflict, minimize stress on families and children and serve as an alternative to ongoing litigation.  Ms. Novelli would be appointed by the district court as a Parenting Consultant upon the request and agreement of the parties, to assist the family in resolving co-parenting disputes, such as modifications of parenting time, improving the parties’ communication and/or managing their parenting plan.  The scope of authority for a Parenting Consultant is determined on a case by case basis, and must be incorporated into the Order that appoints the Parenting Consultant. The Parenting Consultant role is not a confidential process, and a Parenting Consultant may only be engaged by Court Order.

If you need a Parenting Consultant, you may reach us at 612-767-6478 or by email at admin@novellilutz.com to inquire as to Ms. Novelli’s availability and rates.


Custody and Parenting Time Evaluations

Jacquelyn S. Lutz, Esq. provides Custody and Parenting Time Evaluations.  When parents are unable to agree on custody and/or parenting time, parties may engage a Custody and Parenting Time Evaluator to make recommendations to the Court pursuant to the best interest of the child factors detailed in Minn. Stat § 518.17.  These evaluations are tailored to the specific case, but typically involve the collection of information through interviews with parents and children, parent-child observations and potentially medical and school records, if relevant.  Often professionals such as teachers, daycare providers, therapists and pediatricians may be interviewed, and medical records, mental health records and school records may be reviewed.  In some cases, the custody evaluator may have the authority to require additional assessments, typically related to mental health, domestic abuse or chemical health issues.  The evaluation process typically culminates in a feedback meeting to facilitate settlement, and a written report summarizing the evaluators findings and recommendations if an agreement is not reached.

If you need a Custody and Parenting Time Evaluation, you may reach us as 612-767-6478 or by email at admin@novellilutz.com to inquire as to Ms. Lutz’s availability and rates.


Parenting Coach

 J. Lee Novelli, Esq. provides Parenting Coaching services.  During and after a divorce, parents often need assistance navigating a new and sometimes stressful co-parenting arrangement and a coach can help provide practical guidance and tools along the way.  Ms. Novelli uses a direct and practical approach to help parents work with other professionals (such as attorneys, parenting consultants, custody evaluators and the court) and to assist in building a more productive and effective co-parenting approach. 

If you need a Parenting Coach, you may reach us at 612-767-6478 or by email at admin@novellilutz.com to inquire as to Ms. Novelli’s availability and rates.