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Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation
Finding the right path forward starts with understanding your options. Below, we answer the most common questions our clients ask about mediation, the process, and what to expect when you work with Compass Mediation Group. Answers are provided by Alisa Kharis, JD — Master Mediator (IMA), IRS Enrolled Agent, and former practicing attorney with 25+ years of mediation experience.
General Mediation Questions
- 01Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party — the mediator — helps two or more people reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike a courtroom proceeding, mediation gives you control over the outcome. The mediator does not make decisions for you; instead, they facilitate productive conversation so you can find solutions that work for everyone involved.
- 02In court, a judge makes binding decisions for you based on legal arguments. In mediation, you and the other party work together — with the mediator's guidance — to create your own agreement. Mediation is typically faster, more affordable, less adversarial, and completely private. Court records are public; mediation discussions remain confidential. Having practiced law for 16 years (1996–2012) in Washington state courts, our lead mediator Alisa Kharis has seen both sides — and she consistently finds that mediation produces better outcomes for families and businesses alike.
- 03The mediation process itself is not binding — you are free to leave at any time. However, once both parties sign a written mediation agreement, that document can become a legally enforceable contract. In divorce mediation, the agreement is submitted to the court and incorporated into your final decree.
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Divorce Mediation Questions
- 01Most divorce mediations are completed in two to five sessions, typically spanning four to eight weeks. Simple, uncontested divorces may resolve in as few as two sessions. More complex cases involving significant assets, business interests, or custody disputes may require additional time. Either way, mediation is significantly faster than litigation.
- 02Yes. Many of our clients come to mediation during a time of high conflict. As a Master Mediator certified by the International Mediation Association (IMA), Alisa Kharis is specifically trained to facilitate communication even in high-conflict situations. She creates a structured, respectful environment where both parties can communicate through the mediator if needed. Virtual sessions can also reduce tension by allowing each person to participate from their own space.
- 03Divorce mediation can address virtually every issue that would otherwise go before a judge, including property and asset division, child custody and parenting plans, spousal support and alimony, child support, division of retirement accounts and investments, and responsibility for shared debts. Alisa's dual expertise as both a former practicing attorney and an IRS Enrolled Agent is particularly valuable when navigating the financial and tax implications of asset division.
- 04It is completely normal for some issues to be more difficult than others. If you reach an impasse on a specific topic, the mediator can suggest creative solutions, take a break, or schedule a follow-up session. If one issue truly cannot be resolved, you can still use mediation for everything else and take only that single issue to court.
Family & Business Mediation Questions
- 01Beyond divorce, mediation is effective for parenting plan modifications, elder care decisions, sibling and inheritance disputes, blended family conflicts, guardianship disagreements, and family business succession planning. Any situation where family members need to reach agreement can benefit from a neutral mediator.
- 02Absolutely. Business mediation helps resolve partnership disagreements, contract disputes, shareholder conflicts, employment issues, and business dissolution matters. Mediation protects business relationships and keeps sensitive financial information out of public court records — which is often critical for ongoing operations. Alisa brings firsthand credibility to business mediation as the owner of multiple companies, including Synergy Relations, a strategic communications and consulting firm she has operated since 2003.
- 03Estate mediation addresses will contests, trust disputes, executor disagreements, and conflicts among beneficiaries. These situations are deeply personal and emotionally charged. Mediation provides a private space to honor family relationships while reaching fair resolutions about asset distribution. Alisa's IRS Enrolled Agent certification is especially valuable in estate cases involving complex assets, tax-sensitive distributions, or retirement accounts.
About Our Mediator
- 01Alisa Kharis holds a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science (Cum Laude) from Washington State University. She practiced law for 16 years (1996–2012) in Washington state, handling family law, business law, civil litigation, criminal law, entertainment law, and administrative hearings across King, Pierce, Kitsap, Whatcom, and Grays Harbor county courts. She holds Master Mediator certification from the International Mediation Association (IMA) — earned through a rigorous year-long training program — and has 25+ years of mediation experience and education. She is also a certified IRS Enrolled Agent, authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Alisa is the host of the BREAKTHROUGH TODAY podcast, where she shares insights on conflict resolution and communication.
- 02The Master Mediator designation is awarded by the International Mediation Association (IMA) upon completion of an intensive, year-long training program. It represents the highest level of professional mediation certification and requires demonstrated mastery of advanced mediation techniques, ethics, and practice. Alisa earned this credential through training in Phoenix, Arizona, in addition to completing 40-hour mediation training programs.
Process & Logistics
- 01All Compass Mediation Group sessions are conducted virtually via secure video conferencing. Virtual mediation offers several advantages: you can participate from the comfort and privacy of your own home, there is no travel time or expense, and scheduling is more flexible. When needed, parties can be placed in separate virtual breakout rooms for private conversations with the mediator — replicating the "caucus" technique used in traditional mediation, but more seamlessly. We serve clients in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and nationwide.
- 02Start by gathering relevant documents — financial statements, tax returns, property records, or any contracts related to your dispute. Write down your priorities and goals. Think about areas where you might be willing to compromise. During your free initial consultation, we will provide a personalized preparation checklist based on your specific situation.
- 03A skilled mediator is trained to identify and manage power imbalances. Alisa Kharis ensures both parties have equal opportunity to speak, be heard, and participate meaningfully in negotiations. Her 16 years of courtroom experience as a former practicing attorney — combined with her Master Mediator training — give her the skills to manage complex interpersonal dynamics effectively. Virtual mediation can also help equalize dynamics by removing physical proximity from the equation.
Cost & Payment
- 01Mediation is significantly more affordable than litigation. While exact fees depend on the complexity of your case, most mediations cost a fraction of what you would spend in court. During your free initial consultation, we will provide a clear cost estimate tailored to your situation. Visit our pricing page for general cost ranges.
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