Mediation and ADR
Consent order
A court order that records terms the parties agreed to. Once the judge signs it, it can be enforced like any other order.[1]
In more detail
In Florida, when the parties reach agreement in mediation on contested issues about a child's parental responsibility, residence, access or support, the mediator prepares a consent order for the parties and their lawyers to review; the court then reviews it and, if it approves, enters it.[1] Virginia's courts note that a court can turn a mediated agreement into an order when it fits the law and public policy.[2]
Varies by state
How an agreement becomes a court order differs by state and case type. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Settlement agreementThe written terms the parties agree to that resolve their dispute.
- Mediated settlement agreement (MSA)A written agreement the parties sign at the end of a successful mediation.
- Parenting planA document setting out how parents will raise their child after separating: how decisions are made about things like school and health care, and a schedule of time with each parent.
Read next on MediationList
Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Consent order: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/consent-order/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.