Family relationships are among the most important — and sometimes the most challenging — parts of our lives. When disagreements arise, unresolved conflict can fracture bonds that took decades to build. Family mediation offers a constructive, compassionate path forward — one that prioritizes understanding over winning.
At Compass Mediation Group, we specialize in helping families navigate conflict, rebuild communication, and reach agreements that everyone can live with. Our lead mediator, Alisa Kharis, brings 16 years of courtroom experience as a former practicing attorney in Washington state courts, Master Mediator certification from the International Mediation Association (IMA), and 25+ years of mediation experience — along with a genuine commitment to helping families find their way through difficult moments.
Family mediation is a structured, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps family members work through disputes and reach mutually acceptable solutions. Unlike courtroom proceedings, family mediation creates a safe space for open dialogue — guided by a professional who ensures every voice is heard.
Family mediation can address virtually any conflict that arises between relatives, whether it involves parenting responsibilities, financial disagreements, caregiving decisions, or longstanding interpersonal tensions.
Divorce doesn't just affect spouses — it affects parents, children, in-laws, and extended family. We help families navigate the broader relational impact of divorce, including grandparent access, step-family transitions, and communication between extended family members.
→ Learn more about Divorce MediationCreating a parenting plan is one of the most important tasks separating or divorced parents will face. We help you develop comprehensive, workable plans that cover physical custody schedules, legal decision-making authority, holiday and vacation arrangements, and communication protocols between households.
A well-crafted parenting plan puts your children's needs first — and gives both parents clarity about expectations.
→ Learn more about Child Custody MediationEven with a solid parenting plan in place, co-parenting disagreements are common. Schedule changes, differences in parenting styles, new partners, relocation — these situations can create friction that affects the entire family.
Our co-parenting mediation sessions help you resolve current conflicts and develop better communication strategies for the future.
→ Learn more about Co-Parenting MediationStarting a marriage with transparent conversations about finances, property, and expectations isn't unromantic — it's wise. Mediation provides a collaborative, low-pressure environment to negotiate prenuptial or postnuptial agreements that protect both partners fairly.
When family and business overlap, conflicts can become deeply personal. Whether you're dealing with disagreements about roles, compensation, succession planning, or the direction of the company, family business mediation helps you separate the personal from the professional and find workable solutions. Alisa's own experience running multiple businesses — including her umbrella company Synergy Relations — gives her firsthand insight into the dynamics of family-run enterprises.
As parents age, adult children often disagree about caregiving responsibilities, living arrangements, medical decisions, and financial management. These conversations are emotional and high-stakes. A skilled family mediator helps siblings and extended family members work through these decisions respectfully and reach consensus.
Inheritance expectations, perceived favoritism, estranged relationships, blended family dynamics — family conflict takes many forms. Mediation offers a structured opportunity to address grievances, clear the air, and find a path forward that preserves relationships whenever possible.
Litigation is adversarial by design. Mediation is collaborative. When you'll be connected to someone for life — as co-parents, siblings, or relatives — preserving the relationship matters as much as resolving the dispute.
In mediation, everyone has the opportunity to share their perspective. There are no winners or losers — only solutions that reflect the needs of the whole family.
Family mediation resolves most disputes in a handful of sessions. Compared to court proceedings, the process is faster, less expensive, and far less emotionally draining.
Family conflicts are personal. Mediation keeps your discussions confidential and out of the public record.
Agreements that people help create are agreements they follow. Research shows that mediated agreements have significantly higher compliance rates than court-imposed orders.
We learn about your family's situation and explain how mediation can help. No obligation, no pressure.
When helpful, we speak with each family member privately to understand their concerns and goals.
Alisa facilitates structured dialogue, helping family members communicate productively and negotiate solutions.
We document all agreements in a clear, comprehensive memorandum of understanding.
Family dynamics evolve. We're here for follow-up sessions if circumstances change or new issues arise.
Read the most common questions and answers about family mediation.
Read our Family Mediation FAQsSchedule a free consultation or call (888) 851-8856 to learn how family mediation can help you move forward together.
All sessions are conducted via secure video conference. Whether your family is spread across multiple cities or you simply prefer the comfort and convenience of meeting from home, our virtual format makes participation easy and accessible from anywhere in the United States.
Book NowCompass Mediation Group does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Alisa Kharis is a mediator, not a practicing attorney. Her legal background informs and enriches the mediation process, but she does not act as an attorney for any party. Both partners are encouraged to consult with independent attorneys for legal counsel. If you need legal representation, we are happy to refer you to qualified attorneys.
