Good to see you WTBH as I was starting to really wonder how y'all were doing.
I would say go for the mediation. I believe his reluctance is that he won't be able to 'bully' in a mediation hearing and will have to 'behave' himself as it is a form of court. Gee he's really going to have to 'act' like an adult to 'save face.'
Or he will sit there and not agree to anything so you end up going to court. However, what he doesn't realize is that a 'report of why the mediation did not work' goes to the Judge.
So yep, if it were me, I would try the mediation.
J M H O
Please don't be a stranger, my 'codie' side was rearing it's ugly head as I was worrying about you, lol
Love and hugs,