The mediator is not given authority to make decisions. Parties can establish their own mechanism, participants and timetable. Mediation is the appropriate format for discussing topics which are germane to settlement while protecting the interests of the parties involved. Necessary information can be exchanged without public scrutiny and the process can be kept completely confidential. Minimal rules and procedures.
All participants can become skilled in the process in a minimum of time.
Even if mediation does not resolve all issues, the parties will have reached a detailed understanding of positions and areas of non-accommodation. In these cases arbitration should be considered.