888 851-8856 / 206 800-8825
Portland Mediation Services
Thoughtful Mediation for Portland Families Navigating Life's Transitions
Portland values community, fairness, and doing things differently. When relationships change or disputes arise, many Portlanders look for alternatives to the adversarial court system — and mediation is exactly that alternative. Compass Mediation Group provides professional mediation services to Portland-area families and businesses, helping people find resolution through dialogue rather than litigation.
Our lead mediator, Alisa Kharis, brings 25+ years of mediation experience, a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law, and 16 years of prior legal practice — handling family law, civil litigation, criminal law, and business law in Washington state courts — before dedicating herself fully to mediation. She also holds a Master Mediator certification earned through the International Mediation Association (IMA) after a year-long training program in Phoenix, Arizona. She also holds a B.A. in Political Science (Cum Laude) from Washington State University and is an IRS Enrolled Agent with an Oregon license — meaning she brings deep financial and tax expertise directly relevant to Oregon residents. Every session is conducted virtually, giving Portland-area clients the flexibility to participate from wherever they feel most comfortable.
Mediation Services for the Portland Area
Divorce Mediation in Portland
Oregon is an equitable distribution state — different from neighboring Washington's community property approach. Under equitable distribution, marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, earning capacity, and the needs of any children.
This distinction matters enormously in how your divorce settlement is structured. At Compass Mediation Group, we help Portland couples understand these principles and work together to reach property and support agreements that both parties can live with — agreements that reflect fairness in the context of your specific circumstances.
As an IRS Enrolled Agent with an Oregon license, Alisa Kharis ensures that the tax consequences of asset division are accounted for. The difference between dividing a retirement account and dividing home equity, for example, can have significant tax implications that many people overlook during the emotional weight of divorce. This is the same financial acumen Alisa applies through Compass Tax Center, our sister company focused on tax services.
Family Mediation
From parenting plan disputes to sibling disagreements about aging parents, family conflicts have a way of touching every part of your life. Our family mediation services give Portland families a structured, neutral process where difficult conversations can happen productively.
Oregon has specific requirements for parenting plans in custody situations, including provisions for decision-making authority, parenting time schedules, and methods for resolving future disagreements. Drawing on 16 years of family law practice and courtroom experience, Alisa helps parents craft plans that satisfy court requirements while genuinely serving their children's needs.
Business and Estate Mediation
Portland's thriving small business community means partnership disputes, succession disagreements, and contract conflicts are common. Our business mediation services help business owners and stakeholders resolve disputes efficiently — often preserving working relationships that litigation would destroy. Alisa's own experience founding and running multiple businesses — including Synergy Relations, a consultation, PR, and strategic communications firm she has operated since 2003 — gives her firsthand understanding of the stakes involved in business disputes.
Estate mediation addresses conflicts around inheritance, trust administration, and family property — sensitive issues that require both legal understanding and emotional intelligence.
Multnomah County Court and Oregon Mediation
Divorce and family cases in the Portland area are typically filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Oregon courts are generally supportive of mediation, and in some custody disputes, the court may require parents to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial.
Understanding the court's procedural requirements — including Oregon's mandatory financial disclosures, the petition process, and parenting plan filing — is part of the knowledge we bring to every mediation session. With 16 years of legal practice across multiple areas of law, including administrative hearings and civil litigation, Alisa understands how courts function and ensures your agreements are structured properly for court acceptance.
Portland Communities We Serve
Virtual mediation connects us with clients across the entire Portland metropolitan area and beyond:
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Portland Metro — From the Pearl District to outer Southeast, we serve Portland's diverse neighborhoods with scheduling flexibility that works around your life
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Beaverton & Hillsboro — Washington County residents in the tech corridor who appreciate an efficient, organized mediation process
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Lake Oswego & West Linn — Clackamas County families navigating complex asset divisions involving real estate, investments, and business interests
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Gresham & East County — East Multnomah County communities served with the same personalized attention as any other area
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Vancouver, WA — We serve clients on both sides of the Columbia River. For Vancouver residents, Washington state law may apply to your situation, and we're well-versed in both Oregon and Washington family law frameworks
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Surrounding Communities — Oregon City, Tigard, Tualatin, Milwaukie, and throughout the Willamette Valley
A Note About Cross-Border Situations
The Portland-Vancouver metro area creates unique situations where one spouse lives in Oregon and the other in Washington. These cases involve questions about which state's laws apply, where to file, and how different property division frameworks affect the outcome. Alisa's 16 years of prior legal practice in Washington state courts — handling cases in King, Pierce, Kitsap, Whatcom, and Grays Harbor counties — combined with her IRS Enrolled Agent Oregon license, make her uniquely suited to navigate these cross-border complexities.
Why Virtual Mediation Is Ideal for Portland
Portland's bridges, traffic patterns, and weather can turn a crosstown trip into an ordeal — especially during rush hour on I-5 or I-84. Virtual mediation means you skip the commute, the parking, and the stress of traveling to an unfamiliar office during an already difficult time.
Our clients consistently tell us that being at home during mediation helps them feel more centered and able to engage constructively. You're in your own space, with your own notes and documents at hand, participating through a secure video platform that maintains the confidentiality and professionalism of the process.
Why Portland Residents Trust Compass Mediation Group
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Cross-state expertise — Deep knowledge of both Oregon and Washington family law, critical for the Portland-Vancouver corridor, with 16 years of courtroom practice in Washington state
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25+ years of mediation experience — Alisa Kharis holds a Master Mediator certification from the International Mediation Association (IMA) and a JD from Seattle University School of Law
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Tax and financial insight — IRS Enrolled Agent status with an Oregon license means your financial agreements are reviewed through a tax-informed lens
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Established reputation — Formerly known as Blend Mediation, and part of the Synergy Relations family of companies, serving clients with a track record of professionalism and care
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Truly virtual — No office to find, no parking to worry about — just focused, productive mediation from wherever you are
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Thought leader — Alisa hosts the BREAKTHROUGH TODAY podcast, sharing insights on conflict resolution, communication, and personal breakthroughs
Take the First Step Toward Resolution
If you're facing a divorce, family dispute, or business conflict in the Portland area, we invite you to schedule a free consultation. This is a no-pressure conversation where you can ask questions, learn how mediation works, and explore whether it's the right path for you.
Call (888) 851-8856 or schedule your consultation online.
You deserve a process that respects your time, your emotions, and your future. Let us help.
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 Portland
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