888 851-8856 / 206 800-8825
Tacoma Mediation Services | Compass Mediation Group
Skilled, Compassionate Mediation for Tacoma Families and Businesses
When a marriage ends or a business dispute threatens to upend your livelihood, you need a mediator who truly knows Pierce County — someone who has walked the halls of its courthouse and understands both the legal process and the emotional weight of conflict. Compass Mediation Group brings that exact combination to Tacoma, offering professional mediation grounded in 25+ years of hands-on mediation experience so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Led by Alisa Kharis — a Master Mediator certified through the International Mediation Association (IMA), a Juris Doctorate graduate of Seattle University School of Law, and a former practicing attorney with 16 years of trial and motions experience in Washington state courts — our mediation practice provides a structured, supportive space where agreements are reached without the emotional and financial devastation of courtroom battles. Alisa also holds a B.A. in Political Science (Cum Laude) from Washington State University and is an IRS Enrolled Agent, bringing a rare blend of legal, financial, and interpersonal expertise to every case.
Having previously practiced law in Pierce County courts, Alisa has firsthand familiarity with the local judicial landscape — from filing procedures to the expectations of Pierce County Superior Court judges. All of our mediation sessions are conducted virtually via secure video conferencing, so you can participate from the comfort and privacy of your own home anywhere in the greater Tacoma area.
Our Tacoma Mediation Services
Divorce Mediation in Tacoma
Divorce is one of life's most difficult transitions — but it doesn't have to destroy your family or your finances. Our divorce mediation process helps couples in the Tacoma area divide assets, establish support arrangements, and create parenting plans collaboratively, without the adversarial nature of courtroom litigation.
Washington is a community property state, which means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned. Navigating community property division requires careful analysis, and 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 implications for both parties.
Military Divorce Mediation Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Tacoma's proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord means many local families face the unique complexities of military divorce. Division of military pensions under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), Survivor Benefit Plan elections, TRICARE health coverage transitions, and the interplay between federal military regulations and Washington state community property law all require a mediator with both legal depth and financial acumen. Alisa's background as a former practicing attorney and IRS Enrolled Agent makes her uniquely qualified to guide military families through these layered issues — ensuring nothing is overlooked in your settlement.
Family Mediation
Family disputes extend well beyond divorce. Whether you need help with parenting plan modifications, elder care decisions, 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 — including cases handled directly in Pierce County — 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.
Business and Estate Mediation
Partnership disagreements, succession planning conflicts, and estate disputes can fracture relationships and destroy value. Tacoma's growing business community — from the thriving downtown core to the Port of Tacoma industrial corridor — generates its share of commercial disputes that benefit from mediation over litigation. 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.
Understanding Pierce County Court Procedures
If you're considering divorce in the Tacoma area, your case will be filed in Pierce County Superior Court. While Washington courts encourage mediation, navigating the procedural requirements — from mandatory waiting periods to financial disclosure obligations — can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never been through the process before.
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 direct trial and motions experience in Pierce County Superior Court as well as King, Kitsap, Whatcom, and Grays Harbor county courts, means she understands the local 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.
Tacoma-Area Communities We Serve
Our virtual mediation format allows us to serve clients throughout Pierce County and the greater South Sound region. We regularly work with individuals and families in:
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Downtown Tacoma & Stadium District — Serving Tacoma's urban core with flexible scheduling that fits busy professional lives
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Lakewood — Convenient virtual access for residents near Joint Base Lewis-McChord without the stress of cross-town travel
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University Place — Families and professionals who value efficient, private mediation from home
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Puyallup & South Hill — East Pierce County residents connected through seamless virtual sessions
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Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula — West-side-of-the-Narrows communities served without the bridge commute
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Federal Way & Auburn — North Pierce County and south King County residents who want experienced mediation without the drive to Seattle
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Bonney Lake & Sumner — Foothills communities with full access to the same high-quality virtual platform
No matter where you are in the greater Tacoma area, you receive the same attentive, personalized mediation experience.
Why Virtual Mediation Works for Tacoma
Getting across Tacoma can be a challenge in itself — I-5 congestion through the city center, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge bottleneck to Gig Harbor, and the sprawling distances between communities like Puyallup, Lakewood, and Federal Way can turn a simple meeting into a half-day affair. Virtual mediation eliminates that friction entirely.
Our clients 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 sitting in a waiting room. And for families with children — or military families managing demanding schedules — there's no need to arrange extended childcare or juggle duty obligations around travel time.
Every virtual session is conducted on a secure, confidential platform with virtual breakout rooms that allow each party to have private time to think, regroup, or consult with their own attorney during sessions — replicating the benefits of separate conference rooms in a traditional mediation setting, all with the same professionalism and structure as an in-person meeting.
Why Tacoma Families Choose Compass Mediation Group
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Pierce County courtroom experience — Alisa Kharis previously practiced law directly in Pierce County Superior Court, bringing insider knowledge of local procedures and expectations
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25+ years of mediation experience — Alisa holds a Master Mediator certification from the International Mediation Association (IMA) and a JD from Seattle University School of Law
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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 military pension division and community property settlements
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Military family understanding — Experience with the unique legal and financial complexities facing service members and their families near JBLM
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Established practice — Formerly known as Blend Mediation, and part of the Synergy Relations family of companies
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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 to speak with us directly, 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 Tacoma
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