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Mediation Resources & Guides

Knowledge is power — especially during life's most challenging transitions. Explore our curated collection of resources, guides, and tools to help you navigate mediation with confidence.

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Whether you're facing a divorce, a family dispute, a business conflict, or an estate matter, you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Below, you'll find helpful resources organized by category, including our own guides, practical tools, and trusted external resources — all curated by Alisa Kharis, JD, Master Mediator and IRS Enrolled Agent, with 25+ years of mediation experience and 16 years of prior courtroom practice as a former attorney.

Getting Started With Mediation

New to mediation? These resources will give you a solid foundation before your first session.

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Our Guides

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  • What to Expect in Your First Mediation Session — A step-by-step walkthrough of the mediation process, from preparation to agreement. Everything you need to feel confident and prepared.

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for Mediation? — An honest, balanced look at when you might want an attorney involved and when mediation alone may be enough.

  • Is Mediation Legally Binding? — Understanding how mediation agreements become enforceable, what protects you, and what happens after you sign.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How much does mediation cost compared to litigation?

  • What's the difference between mediation and arbitration?

  • Can I mediate if the other person doesn't want to?

  • How many sessions does mediation typically take?

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Have a question that's not answered here? Contact us — we're happy to help.

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Breakthrough Today Podcast

 

Looking for deeper insights on conflict resolution, personal empowerment, and navigating life's transitions? Listen to Breakthrough Today, hosted by Alisa Kharis. Drawing on her 16 years as a former practicing attorney, 25+ years of mediation experience, and her work as an IRS Enrolled Agent, Alisa shares practical wisdom and real-world strategies for overcoming challenges and finding resolution.

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Available on major podcast platforms — search for "Breakthrough Today."

Divorce Mediation Resources

Divorce is one of life's most stressful experiences. These resources can help you understand your options, protect your interests, and move forward with clarity.

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Our Guides

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  • Divorce Mediation Services — Learn how Compass Mediation Group helps couples resolve divorce issues fairly and efficiently.

  • What to Expect in Your First Mediation Session — Especially helpful if you're nervous about the process.

  • Do I Need a Lawyer for Mediation? — Important considerations for divorce mediation specifically.

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Preparation Checklists

 

Financial Documents to Gather:

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  • Recent tax returns (2–3 years)

  • Pay stubs and income documentation

  • Bank account statements (checking, savings, investment)

  • Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)

  • Mortgage documents and property valuations

  • Credit card and loan statements

  • Insurance policies

  • Business financial statements (if applicable)

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Personal Documents to Organize:

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  • Marriage certificate

  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

  • Existing court orders

  • Vehicle titles and registrations

  • Estate planning documents (wills, trusts)

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Pro tip: Alisa's certification as an IRS Enrolled Agent means she can help you understand the tax implications of asset division — an area where many mediators lack expertise. Be sure to ask about tax consequences during your sessions.

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External Resources

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  • Washington Courts — Divorce Information — Official Washington State court resources for divorce proceedings.

  • Oregon Judicial Department — Family Law — Oregon court resources for family law matters.

  • California Courts — Divorce & Separation — Self-help resources from the California court system.

  • Arizona Courts — Family Law — Arizona family law forms and information.

  • OurFamilyWizard — A co-parenting communication and scheduling app recommended by family courts.

  • Talking Parents — Another co-parenting communication platform with documented messaging.

Family Mediation Resources

 

Family conflicts go beyond divorce — they include parenting disputes, elder care decisions, sibling disagreements, and multi-generational family issues. These resources can help.

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Our Guides

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  • Family Mediation Services — How mediation helps families resolve conflicts while preserving relationships.

  • What to Expect in Your First Mediation Session — Understanding the process reduces anxiety for everyone involved.

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Topics We Cover in Family Mediation

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  • Parenting plan modifications

  • Custody and visitation disputes (including between unmarried parents)

  • Elder care planning and decision-making

  • Family business succession and management disputes

  • Blended family conflicts

  • Grandparent visitation rights

  • Sibling disagreements over family matters

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External Resources

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  • National Alliance for Caregiving — Resources for families navigating elder care and caregiving responsibilities.

  • AARP Caregiving Resource Center — Guides, tools, and community support for family caregivers.

  • OurFamilyWizard — Co-parenting tools for organizing schedules, expenses, and communication.

  • National Conflict Resolution Center — Resources for understanding and resolving interpersonal conflicts.

Business Mediation Resources

 

Business disputes can be costly and disruptive. Mediation offers a faster, more confidential, and more cost-effective path to resolution.

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Our Guides

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  • Business Mediation Services — How Compass Mediation Group helps businesses resolve conflicts and move forward.

  • Is Mediation Legally Binding? — Understanding the enforceability of business mediation agreements.

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Common Business Mediation Scenarios

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  • Partnership disputes and dissolutions

  • Shareholder and ownership conflicts

  • Contract disagreements

  • Employer-employee disputes

  • Vendor and supplier conflicts

  • Franchise disputes

  • Non-compete and intellectual property disagreements

  • Business succession and transition planning

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Preparation Tips for Business Mediation

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  • Review all relevant contracts and agreements before your session

  • Gather financial records related to the dispute

  • Document the timeline of events and key communications

  • Consider what a realistic resolution looks like for your business

  • Think about the ongoing relationship — will you continue working together?

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External Resources

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  • American Arbitration Association (AAA) — Information on alternative dispute resolution for businesses.

  • SCORE — Free business mentoring and resources from experienced professionals.

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) — Government resources for small businesses, including guidance on business disputes and legal matters.

  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Conflict Resolution — Business resources and advocacy.

Estate Mediation Resources

 

Disagreements over an estate can fracture families and drag on for years in probate court. Mediation provides a dignified, family-centered way to resolve estate disputes.

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Our Guides

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  • Estate Mediation Services — How Compass Mediation Group helps families resolve estate and inheritance disputes.

  • Is Mediation Legally Binding? — How estate mediation agreements interact with probate court requirements.

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Common Estate Mediation Issues

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  • Interpretation of wills and trust documents

  • Distribution of personal property and sentimental items

  • Real estate decisions (selling, keeping, or dividing property)

  • Executor or trustee performance disputes

  • Disagreements among beneficiaries

  • Claims of undue influence or lack of capacity

  • Blended family inheritance conflicts

  • Charitable bequest disputes

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What to Bring to Estate Mediation

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  • The will, trust, or estate planning documents

  • Inventory of estate assets

  • Property appraisals or valuations

  • Correspondence among the parties

  • Any relevant court filings

  • A list of concerns and priorities

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External Resources

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  • American Bar Association — Estate Planning Resources — Educational resources on estate and trust law.

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) — Find elder law attorneys and estate planning resources.

  • Nolo.com — Estate & Probate — Accessible legal guides on estate planning, probate, and inheritance.

Financial Planning Resources

 

Many mediation situations — particularly divorce and estate matters — involve significant financial decisions. These resources can help you plan for your financial future.

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  • Financial Planning Association — Find a Planner — Locate a certified financial planner in your area.

  • IRS — Tax Information for Divorced or Separated Individuals — Understanding the tax implications of divorce.

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — Government resources for financial education and protection.

  • National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) — Nonprofit financial counseling and debt management resources.

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​Need help understanding the tax implications of your specific mediation situation? Alisa Kharis is a certified IRS Enrolled Agent and can help identify tax considerations during your mediation sessions. For dedicated tax preparation and planning services, visit our sister company, Compass Tax Center.

Legal Aid and Assistance

If cost is a concern, these organizations may be able to help with legal information and, in some cases, free or low-cost legal representation.

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  • Washington LawHelp — Free legal information and referrals for Washington residents.

  • Oregon Law Help — Legal resources for low-income Oregonians.

  • California Courts — Self-Help Center — Free legal information from the California court system.

  • Arizona Legal Center — Affordable legal services in Arizona.

  • LawHelp.org — National directory of free legal aid programs by state.

Stay Informed

We regularly publish new guides, articles, and resources to help you navigate life's transitions with confidence. You can also tune into the Breakthrough Today podcast, hosted by Alisa Kharis, for ongoing insights on conflict resolution, empowerment, and building a path forward. Check back often for new content, or contact us to ask a question directly.

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Have a resource suggestion? We're always looking to expand this page with helpful tools and information. Let us know if there's something you think should be included.

Important Notice

 

The information provided on this page and throughout this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Compass Mediation Group does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Alisa Kharis is a former practicing attorney who now works exclusively as a mediator. Clients are encouraged to consult with independent attorneys for legal counsel regarding their specific situations.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're considering mediation for a divorce, family matter, business dispute, or estate conflict, we're here to help. Every situation is different — and we're happy to discuss yours.

 

Schedule your free consultation or call us at (888) 851-8856.

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