A mediator seeks to help both parties find a compromise solution acceptable to them both, and generally this less formal approach enables goodwill and a working relationship to be preserved. The only binding commitments the parties have is to pay the mediator's fees. They negotiate, often with the mediator speaking privately first with one party, then the other, bringing them both together when there appears to be a consensus of agreement to sort out the final details of the settlement.

It's quick, it's cheap, it's informal. But the main disadvantage of mediation is that it is not binding or enforceable.
At any point, one party can walk away from the process, and there is no way that they can be obliged to proceed further, except by moving to a more formal process.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

GOING TO COURT

ARBITRATION