Lanaun & Company LLC
LANAUN MEDIATION
Affordable Solutions Without Court
Our Mission
At LANAUN MEDIATION, our focus is helping clients find solutions to their dispute by encouraging (1) communication, (2) respect, (3) accountability, and (4) collaboration. As an alternative way of settling disputes, mediation provides parties a unique forum to privately discuss their disagreements and allow for an exchange of understanding and ideas that opens the door toward resolution. Parties have the flexibility and creativity to negotiate and construct solutions that are tailored to meet their unique goals. So whether you are looking to resolve a fender-bender, settle your divorce privately in an amicable way, or quiet a neighborhood dispute, mediation can help. Going to court is a risk you don't have to take.
"Parties might not get want they want but might get what they need."
-Mary Kate Coleman, Esq.
Riley, Hewitt, Witte & Romano PC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I bring to mediation?
The mediator is not a legal adviser and does not provide legal advice to any party. Thus, it is very important to know that each party to a mediation has the right to his or her own attorney present and parties are encouraged to consult an attorney at such times deemed appropriate throughout mediation. Parties can also bring witnesses and authorized representatives with full authority to enter into any agreement.
Why choose mediation?
In litigation, it's win or lose, there's no negotiation. In mediation, even though parties may have to compromise on some things, they can get solutions that work for both sides. Mediation is an alternative method of settling disputes outside of the traditional courtroom setting that gives parties the power and control to determine the outcome of their case. Parties get to find their own solutions in a less stressful and confidential environment. Plus, compared to the growing costs of litigation and legal representation, mediation costs only a fraction of legal fees and is one of the most cost-effective forms of dispute resolution.
How to schedule or request a mediation?
Generally, mediation services can be obtained by contacting the mediator or service provider, which includes completing a mediation request form with contact information and specific details of the dispute. Once the parties agree to go to mediation, they must also abide by an agreement to mediate that outlines the rules and procedure of the mediation session.
How much does it cost to go to mediation?
Many mediators charge an hourly rate or a flat rate, which usually reflects their training, experience, and education. The mediation fee is the responsibility of the parties and can be split equally or as agreed to by the parties. However, mediation costs should not include contingency fees or fees based on the outcome of the case. Thus, a mediator should provide parties information on all fees and expenses included in the cost prior to the start of each mediation session.
How is mediation conducted?
Mediation sessions were commonly conducted in-person. However, there have been a growing trend to also conduct mediations by video conference (Zoom, WebEx, etc.). Parties should make known any preferences to the mediator but the final decision may still rest on the mediator to decide.
What can I expect at mediation?
Generally, the mediator discusses with the parties the reason for being in mediation and sets out ground rules for the process. Each party is given time to make an opening statement about the dispute and how they would like to see the dispute resolved. Parties then engage in two-way exchange, speaking directly to each other with the mediator facilitating communication and occasionally interjecting with questions to clarify a point or to obtain additional information. However, if parties prefer, the mediation can be conducted in caucus, with each party in separate rooms and the mediator as the means of communication between parties. During discussion, the mediator identifies issues at-hand and suggests possible solutions. It is important to know that the ultimate decision belongs to the parties, the mediator simply facilitates negotiation. Should the parties choose to settle, that agreement will be memorialized as a mediation settlement agreement. If no settlement can be reached, the dispute is returned or referred to court for trial.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a private process by which a third party facilitates negotiation between disputing parties in hope of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution like arbitration, mini-trial, ombudsman, etc. Parties can participate either voluntarily or mandatory by court order, but to be successful each party must be willing to do so in good-faith.
ABOUT OUR MEDIATOR
Tamarie Liburd, J.D.
Attorney - Mediator
Tamarie's passion has always been helping people make the most out of life. During her undergraduate years at Seton Hill University, Tamarie stayed committed to her passion by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations during the annual "Labor of Love " volunteer event and was recognized with the Susan B. Anthony Award. She realized that helping others through nonprofits was her pathway to reaching those in need. Naturally, throughout her law school career at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Tamarie pursued her passion by volunteering with Christian Legal Aid of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit, providing free legal aid to low-income residents of Allegheny County, PA. Tamarie is a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
After law school, Tamarie moved to Houston, Texas to be with family. She continued her passion by volunteering as an outreach volunteer at Fort Bend Lawyers Care, where she conducted intake interviews and scheduled clinic appointments for residents to obtain free legal aid. Professionally trained in civil mediation, Tamarie serves as a volunteer mediator at several justice of the peace courts through the Fort Bend County Dispute Resolution Center. As a mediator, Tamarie incorporates her discipline as an attorney and her passion for outreach in assisting disputing parties find effective and life-changing solutions. It is her pleasure to empower change in the lives of others and she looks forward to helping clients find resolution.
In her spare time, Tamarie enjoys walks at recreational parks, traveling, reading, cooking Caribbean cuisines, and spending quality time with family and friends.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is provided for general information only and should not serve as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney familiar with the facts and circumstances of a specific situation. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
Because of the possibility of unanticipated changes in governing statutes and case law relating to the application of the information contained on this website, Lanaun & Company LLC, the authors, and creators and any and all persons or entities involved in any way in preparation of the website, disclaim all responsibility for the legal effects or consequences of the interpretation of the information provided.