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About CLASP and the Collaborative Process

CLASP is a consortium of professionals in Southwestern Pennsylvania trained in a process called “Collaborative Practice.” This process has the following characteristics:

  • Both parties seek a mutually beneficial resolution of their dispute

  • Each party has their own, specially trained, collaborative lawyer

  • Collaborative lawyers work with each other, their clients, and other collaboratively trained professionals to negotiate an outcome that is “owned” by the parties.

  • The parties may jointly hire a neutral mental health and/or financial professional to assist them

  • Each party agrees not to go to court; if one party decides on litigation during the collaborative process, all professionals agree to withdraw

All CLASP members are required to meet the following standards:

  • A minimum of 12 hours of Collaborative Practice training

  • A minimum of 30 hours of mediation training

  • A minimum of 6 hours of participation in CLASP events
    Maintenance of professional liability insurance

The Collaborative Process

Collaborative Practice has been around since 1990 and is used throughout the country to help people find resolutions that meet their needs.

Collaborative Law...

  • Is a dispute resolution process in which lawyers and other professionals are trained in the collaborative process, and guide and support the parties to resolve their outstanding issues in a mutually acceptable settlement

  • Fosters respect between the parties and understanding of their needs through communication tools such as active listening and reframing.

  • Encourages trust through interest-based negotiations with full disclosure in a transparent process.

  • Uses professionals, such as mental health and financial specialists, as resources to support the parties in the resolution of their disputes

  • Requires a commitment by all professionals to a collaborative solution evidenced by their agreement to withdraw from the case if the parties must resort to litigation

  • Helps parties to generate options that may go beyond the legal model for dispute resolution

  • Encourages parties to resolve future disputes by developing skills for communication and issue resolution

Learn more about collaborative practice, including opportunities for training at the:

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

 

Collaborative Divorce: A Safe Place (watch video)

 

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