Traditional adjudication sometimes exacerbates disputes, unnecessarily solidifies positions, and can result in protracted and costly litigation. Mediators are trained in communication and problem-solving skills, and a session with a mediator can facilitate a constructive exchange of views and develop previously unseen alternatives. Mediation allows you to control your dispute and resolve the problem yourself, rather than having a judge or some other official decide it for you. Mediation is also fast and economical. Even if you do not resolve the dispute, mediation frequently clarifies and narrows the issues so that litigation proceeds in a more rapid and focused manner.
People sometimes avoid mediation because they confuse it with compromise.
Requesting mediation does not mean you wish to compromise. It means you are interested in talking in a confidential setting to determine whether the problem can be resolved without litigation. You retain control. You need not agree to anything that you do not believe is in your best interest. It is an informal process to resolve disputes and does not require the legal or formal process that can result in administrative processing delays.