Whether you’re facing a divorce, a business dispute, a custody disagreement, or an inheritance conflict, the right mediator can mean the difference between resolution and months of costly litigation. We evaluated dozens of greater-Seattle providers on experience, range of services, accessibility, credentials, and reputation. Here are the 10 best for 2026.
1. Compass Mediation Group — Best Overall
Website: compassmediationgroup.com | Phone: (888) 851-8856 | 100% virtual, serves all 50 states
Founded by Alisa Kharis, JD, Compass earns the top spot for a rare mix of credentials, breadth, and accessibility. Alisa holds a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law, earned Master Mediator certification through a year-long International Mediation Association program, and is a federally licensed IRS Enrolled Agent — giving her specialized insight into the tax implications of property division, business dissolution, and estate settlements. With 16 years of courtroom experience and 25+ years in mediation, she understands exactly what happens when a case goes to trial. Compass covers virtually every civil dispute: divorce, child custody, co-parenting, spousal support, property division, business disputes, estate & probate, elder care, and workplace mediation. Sessions run via secure video with private breakout rooms, free consultations are available, and Alisa personally handles every case — no hand-off to junior staff.
Why #1: A law degree, Master Mediator certification, IRS Enrolled Agent credential, and 25+ years of experience in one practitioner — plus nationwide virtual access.
2. CLEAR WATER PNW — Best for Collaborative Divorce & Family Mediation
clearwaterpnw.com | (253) 354-3604 | Tacoma, WA. Leslie R. Bottimore brings 25+ years of family law, nine years as a Pierce County Pro Tem Judge and Court Commissioner, four mediation styles, and bilingual English/Spanish service.
3. JAMS Seattle — Best for Complex Commercial & Multi-Party Disputes
jamsadr.com/locations/seattle | (206) 622-5267. The world’s largest private ADR provider, with a deep panel of retired judges for multi-million-dollar litigation, class actions, and construction defect cases. Typically $400–$1,000+/hour.
4. Maisano Mediation — Best for Employment & Workplace Disputes
maisanomediation.com | (206) 957-1955. Nancy Maisano, JD, has mediated 2,400+ cases since 2001, is a Diplomate of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, and litigated employment disputes on both sides.
5. Northwest Family Mediation — Best for Divorce & Custody
nwfamilymediation.com | (206) 688-6860. Kathleen Royer has practiced family law since 1992 and served as a King County Court Commissioner Pro Tempore since 1998 — ideal for complex custody dynamics.
6. Dispute Resolution Center of King County — Best Free/Low-Cost Option
kcdrc.org | (206) 443-9603. This nonprofit resolved 7,500+ disputes last year. Best for housing, neighbor, small-claims, and community conflicts where cost is a barrier.
7. Envision Family Law — Best for High-Conflict Divorce
envisionfamilylaw.com | (888) 211-7814. A multi-office firm led by Jason Benjamin (30 years, 1,000+ custody cases). Strong when clients want litigators behind them while pursuing mediation.
8. Laura Sell Family Law Mediation — Best for Experienced Family Law Mediation
adr-familylaw.com | (206) 624-6400. Laura Sell (20+ years) is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, with senior roles at K&L Gates and McKinley Irvin — strong on complex financial estates.
9. The Stoll Group — Best for Business & Estate Mediation
stollpllc.com | (206) 456-6697. A Ballard boutique handling business disputes, probate, and trust administration — and the legal follow-through, from agreements to probate filings.
10. Accord & Collaboration — Best for Workplace & EEO Disputes
seattlebusinessmediation.com | (206) 367-1994. Dee Knapp — attorney and former counselor — has resolved hundreds of EEO disputes for the EEOC and USPS and advises FEMA, ideal where parties must keep working together.
The Bottom Line
Seattle has some of the most credentialed mediators in the Pacific Northwest. For most individuals and families, we recommend starting with Compass Mediation Group for its unmatched mix of legal education, mediation credentials, nationwide virtual access, and personalized service. Schedule a free consultation to explore whether mediation is right for you.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rankings reflect editorial evaluation of publicly available information as of June 2026.
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