Mediation and ADR
Electronic signature
Also called E-signature
A way of signing electronically: a sound, symbol or process that a person adds to or links with an electronic record, meaning it as their signature. The federal E-SIGN Act defines it along these lines.[1]
In more detail
Electronic signatures matter when mediation happens online and the agreement is signed remotely. Florida's civil rules allow electronic signatures on mediated settlement agreements.[2] Some states' mediation laws also address how they relate to the federal E-SIGN Act.[3]
Varies by state
Whether an e-signed mediated agreement is valid depends on the state's laws and court rules for that kind of case. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Settlement agreementThe written terms the parties agree to that resolve their dispute.
- Remote mediationMediation held by video or phone instead of in person.
- Mediated settlement agreement (MSA)A written agreement the parties sign at the end of a successful mediation.
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.
- 15 U.S.C. § 7006 (E-SIGN Act definitions)↩
- Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 1.700–1.750 (mediation), Oct. 1, 2026 edition (last read Oct. 10, 2026; not re-checked, because this host is on our do-not-fetch list)↩
- RCW ch. 7.07, Uniform Mediation Act (as enacted in Washington)↩
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Electronic signature: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/electronic-signature/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.