Mediation and ADR
Enforceable agreement
A settlement agreement a court can enforce if a party doesn't follow it. In Texas, for example, a written settlement reached through ADR can be enforced the way any other written contract can.[1]
In more detail
Virginia's courts say a mediated agreement can be enforced as a contract, and that the court can make it an order if it fits the law and public policy.[2] Whether an agreement is enforceable usually depends on whether it is in writing, signed, and meets any special rules, such as Texas's requirements for a mediated settlement agreement in a divorce.[3]
Varies by state
Enforceability rules differ by state and by case type, especially in family cases. 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.
- Partial agreementAn agreement that settles some, but not all, of the issues in a mediation.
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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.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Enforceable agreement: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/enforceable-agreement/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.