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Divorce Mediation

Divorce is one of life's most difficult transitions — but it doesn't have to be a battle. At Compass Mediation Group, we help couples navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and mutual respect. Our experienced divorce mediator, Alisa Kharis, guides you through every decision so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third-party mediator helps you and your spouse reach agreements on the key issues in your divorce. Unlike litigation, mediation puts you — not a judge — in control of the decisions that shape your future.

Rather than spending months in court, most couples resolve their divorce through mediation in just a few sessions. The result is a legally sound agreement that reflects what works for your family, not a ruling imposed by someone who doesn't know you.

How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Compass Mediation Group conducts all sessions virtually, making professional mediation accessible no matter where you are. Here is what to expect:

1

Free Initial Consultation

We start with a complimentary consultation to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explain how mediation works. There is no pressure — just honest information to help you decide if mediation is right for you.

2

Information Gathering

Both parties share relevant financial documents, parenting concerns, and priorities. This step ensures every decision is based on complete, transparent information.

3

Guided Negotiation Sessions

Alisa facilitates structured conversations around each issue in your divorce. With a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law, 16 years of courtroom experience as a former practicing attorney in Washington state courts, and 25+ years of mediation experience, she helps you identify creative solutions that work for both sides — solutions a court might never consider.

4

Drafting the Agreement

Once you reach consensus, we prepare a comprehensive memorandum of understanding that covers every aspect of your settlement. You can then have it reviewed by individual attorneys before filing with the court.

5

Filing and Finalization

Your mediated agreement becomes the foundation of your divorce decree. Many couples complete this entire process in weeks rather than the months or years litigation often requires.

What Gets Resolved in Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation addresses every issue you'd face in court — on your terms and your timeline:

Child Custody and Parenting Plans

Determine physical and legal custody arrangements, create a detailed parenting schedule, and establish decision-making frameworks for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.

→ Learn more about Child Custody Mediation

Property and Asset Division

Divide marital property fairly — including real estate, retirement accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings. Alisa's background as an IRS Enrolled Agent is especially valuable when navigating complex financial assets and understanding the tax implications of property division.

→ Learn more about Property Division Mediation

Spousal Support and Alimony

Negotiate spousal maintenance terms that account for each spouse's financial needs, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage.

→ Learn more about Spousal Support Mediation

Debt Allocation

Determine how shared debts — mortgages, credit cards, loans — will be divided equitably.

Other Financial Matters

Address tax implications, insurance coverage, and any other financial considerations unique to your situation. Alisa's IRS Enrolled Agent certification means she can identify tax consequences that many mediators would miss.

Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?

Save Time

Most mediated divorces are resolved in 4–8 sessions. Contested court cases can drag on for 12–18 months or longer.

Save Money

Divorce mediation typically costs a fraction of what litigation does. You share one mediator's fee rather than paying two attorneys to fight in court.

Protect Your Children

Mediation reduces conflict and keeps children out of the middle. Research consistently shows that children fare better when their parents resolve divorce cooperatively rather than adversarially.

Maintain Control

In court, a judge makes final decisions. In mediation, you and your spouse craft solutions tailored to your family's unique needs.

Preserve Privacy

Court proceedings are public record. Mediation is completely confidential.

Build a Foundation for Co-Parenting

If you have children, you'll need to communicate with your co-parent for years to come. Mediation teaches collaborative problem-solving skills that serve you long after the divorce is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about divorce mediation?

Read the most common questions and answers about divorce mediation.

Read our Divorce Mediation FAQs

Your family deserves better than a courtroom.

Schedule a free consultation today or call us at (888) 851-8856. We're here to help you move forward — with clarity, fairness, and peace of mind.

Virtual Divorce Mediation — Available Nationwide

All of our divorce mediation sessions are conducted virtually via secure video conference. Whether you're in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, or anywhere else in the country, you can access experienced divorce mediation services without leaving your home.

Virtual sessions also make scheduling easier and eliminate the stress of sitting in the same waiting room as your spouse. When private conversations are needed, virtual breakout rooms allow each party to speak one-on-one with the mediator — replicating the traditional “caucus” technique seamlessly within the virtual session.

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Important Note:

Compass Mediation Group does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Alisa Kharis is a mediator, not a practicing attorney. Her legal background informs and enriches the mediation process, but she does not act as an attorney for any party. Both partners are encouraged to consult with independent attorneys for legal counsel. If you need legal representation, we are happy to refer you to qualified attorneys.