The benefits of family mediation (family dispute resolution) are many but in general terms mediation has the following benefits

• Disputes can be resolved much more quickly than through legal and other methods;
• Mediation is confidential and is not a public record;
• Mediation can be arranged quickly, on short notice and can therefore be of great assistance when issues become overwhelming; 
• Mediation is a process guided by the mediator but the outcomes are controlled and created by the parties;
• Mediation leads to more flexible and creative outcomes;
• Agreements reached at mediation have a greater chance of standing the test of time as the agreements are the product of  both parties input.  They each have their say;
• Mediation lets people be heard.  The concerns of the parties are aired and discussed; 
• Mediation is cheaper than litigation, negotiation through lawyers and even collaborative law as both parties are represented by lawyers.

Litigation on the other hand has only one advantage - You will give given a decision by a third party (judge) guided only by legal principles and legislation.  Do you really want an outcome of your private family issues decided by someone who does not know you or your family?  If not mediation may be the process you need.