Olympia Mediation Services | Compass Mediation Group
Trusted Mediation for Olympia Families, Government Professionals, and Businesses
When a marriage ends, a workplace conflict escalates, or a business dispute threatens what you've built, you need a mediator who combines deep legal knowledge with genuine compassion. Compass Mediation Group brings 25+ years of professional mediation experience to Olympia and the greater Thurston County area — all through the convenience and privacy of secure virtual sessions.
Led by Alisa Kharis — a Master Mediator certified through the International Mediation Association (IMA), a Juris Doctorate graduate of Seattle University School of Law (1995), and a former practicing attorney with 16 years of trial and motions experience in Washington state courts — our practice provides a structured, neutral environment where lasting agreements are reached without the emotional toll and expense of litigation. Alisa also holds a B.A. in Political Science (Cum Laude) from Washington State University and is an IRS Enrolled Agent (2022), bringing a rare combination of legal, financial, and interpersonal expertise to every case.
As a Washington-based practice, we bring firsthand knowledge of Washington state law and Thurston County court procedures to every session — gained through years of practicing in King, Pierce, Kitsap, Whatcom, and Grays Harbor county courts. And because all of our mediation sessions are conducted virtually via secure video conferencing, Olympia residents get access to one of Washington's most experienced mediators without the drive up I-5 to Seattle.
Our Olympia Mediation Services
Divorce Mediation in Olympia
Divorce is one of life's most stressful transitions — but it doesn't have to mean a courtroom battle. Our divorce mediation process helps couples in the Olympia area divide assets, establish support arrangements, and create parenting plans through structured conversation rather than adversarial proceedings.
Washington is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned. For Olympia couples — including state employees with PERS retirement benefits, deferred compensation plans, and other government employment benefits — navigating community property division requires careful, knowledgeable analysis. As an IRS Enrolled Agent, a credential Alisa earned in 2022 and also applies through her work at Compass Tax Center, our sister company specializing in tax services, she brings tax expertise that most mediators simply cannot offer. This means your property settlement considers not just what's fair today, but the long-term financial and tax implications for both parties.
Family Mediation
Family disputes extend well beyond divorce. Whether you need help with parenting plan modifications, elder care decisions, blended family challenges, or conflicts between family members, our family mediation services provide a neutral, structured environment where everyone's voice is heard.
Washington state requires a detailed parenting plan for any custody arrangement. Drawing on her 16 years of family law, civil litigation, and general practice experience, Alisa helps parents develop comprehensive plans that address residential schedules, decision-making authority, dispute resolution methods, and relocation provisions — all centered on the best interests of your children. For Olympia families navigating co-parenting across the South Sound region, we address the practical realities of school districts in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, extracurricular scheduling, and transportation logistics.
Business and Estate Mediation
Partnership disagreements, succession planning conflicts, workplace disputes, and estate disputes can fracture relationships and destroy value. In Olympia, where small businesses and professional practices form the backbone of the local economy, our business mediation and estate mediation services help stakeholders find workable solutions that preserve both relationships and assets. Alisa's extensive business background — including founding and running Synergy Relations, a consultation and strategic communications firm, since 2003 — gives her practical insight into the operational realities that business owners face during disputes.
For Olympia's many state government employees and public-sector professionals, workplace conflicts and employment-related disputes can carry unique complexities. Our mediation process provides a confidential, efficient alternative to formal grievance procedures or protracted legal action.
Understanding Thurston County Court Procedures
If you're considering divorce in the Olympia area, your case will likely be filed in Thurston County Superior Court. Washington courts encourage mediation as an effective path to resolution, but navigating the procedural requirements — from mandatory waiting periods to financial disclosure obligations — can feel overwhelming.
Compass Mediation Group helps you understand what the court requires so your mediated agreements meet all legal standards. Alisa's 16 years of prior legal practice in Washington state courts, including extensive trial and motions work across multiple counties, means she understands the procedural landscape from the inside. Although mediators do not provide legal advice to either party, our process is designed to ensure your agreements are thorough, informed, and ready for court approval.
Olympia-Area Communities We Serve
Our virtual mediation format allows us to serve clients throughout Thurston County and the greater South Sound region. We regularly work with individuals and families in:
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Downtown Olympia — State capital residents and government professionals who need flexible scheduling around demanding work commitments
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Lacey — Joint Base Lewis-McChord adjacent community, including military families and civil service professionals
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Tumwater — Serving families and businesses in Olympia's neighboring city with convenient virtual access
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Yelm & Rainier — Rural South Thurston County communities connected through the same high-quality virtual platform
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Centralia & Chehalis — Lewis County residents who gain access to experienced mediation without a long drive north
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Shelton & Mason County — West of Olympia, connected seamlessly through virtual sessions
No matter where you are in the South Sound or greater Thurston County area, you receive the same attentive, personalized mediation experience — without ever leaving your home or office.
Why Virtual Mediation Works for Olympia
Living in Olympia means you're part of a close-knit capital city — but accessing specialized professional services sometimes means a 60-mile drive to Seattle. Virtual mediation changes that equation entirely. You get the benefit of working with a Master Mediator with 25+ years of experience, right from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Our secure video conferencing platform includes virtual breakout rooms, allowing each party to have private space during sessions — just like separate conference rooms in a traditional office setting, but without the commute. This feature is especially valuable during emotionally charged discussions, giving both parties the time and space they need to reflect before returning to the joint session.
Our clients consistently tell us that participating from home actually improves the process. You're in a familiar environment where you feel safe and grounded. There's no anxiety about running into someone you know in a waiting room — something that matters in a smaller community like Olympia. And for families with children, there's no need to arrange extended childcare for travel time.
Every virtual session is conducted on a secure, confidential platform with the same professionalism and structure as an in-person meeting.
Why Olympia Families and Professionals Choose Compass Mediation Group
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Washington state expertise — Based in Washington with deep knowledge of state family law, community property rules, and courtroom experience across five Washington counties, including familiarity with Thurston County procedures
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25+ years of mediation experience — Alisa Kharis holds a Master Mediator certification from the International Mediation Association (IMA, 2021) and a JD from Seattle University School of Law (1995)
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Financial acumen — As an IRS Enrolled Agent and founder of Compass Tax Center, Alisa ensures your financial agreements consider tax implications others might miss — critical for dividing state pensions, PERS benefits, and retirement accounts
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Established practice — Formerly known as Blend Mediation, and part of the Synergy Relations family of companies
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Experienced mediator, no travel required — Olympia residents get access to one of Washington's most credentialed mediators without driving to Seattle
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Thought leader — Host of the BREAKTHROUGH TODAY podcast, where Alisa shares insights on conflict resolution, communication, and personal growth
Ready to Take the First Step?
Reaching out is often the hardest part. We make it easy with a free initial consultation where you can ask questions, learn about the process, and decide if mediation is right for your situation. There's no pressure and no obligation.
Call us at (888) 851-8856 or (206) 800-8825 or book your free consultation online to get started.
You don't have to navigate this alone. Let Compass Mediation Group help you find your way forward.
Important Notice
Compass Mediation Group provides professional mediation services only. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or act as attorneys for any party. Alisa Kharis is a former practicing attorney who now works exclusively as a mediator. Her legal background gives her a deep understanding of the legal landscape, which enriches the mediation process, but does not constitute the practice of law. Clients are encouraged to consult with independent attorneys for legal counsel regarding their specific situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation in Olympia
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