Mediation and ADR
Mediated settlement agreement (MSA)
Also called MSA
A written agreement the parties sign at the end of a successful mediation. In Texas divorce and custody cases, one that meets the statute's requirements is binding and a party is entitled to a judgment on it.[1][2]
In more detail
Texas requires a prominently displayed statement that the agreement isn't subject to revocation, plus signatures by each party and any lawyer present at signing.[1][2] Elsewhere, a mediated agreement is usually enforced as a contract or entered as a court order.[3] Because it can be final, have it reviewed before you sign; Virginia's standards say each party should have any draft agreement reviewed by independent counsel.[4]
Varies by state
The requirements for a binding mediated agreement differ by state and case type. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Settlement agreementThe written terms the parties agree to that resolve their dispute.
- Memorandum of understanding (MOU)A written summary of what the parties agreed in mediation.
- Enforceable agreementA settlement agreement a court can enforce if a party doesn't follow it.
- Consent orderA court order that records terms the parties agreed to.
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.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Mediated settlement agreement: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/mediated-settlement-agreement/
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