Mediation and ADR
Settlement agreement
The written terms the parties agree to that resolve their dispute. In Texas, a written settlement agreement reached through ADR is enforceable like any other written contract.[1]
In more detail
Florida's civil rules require a mediated settlement agreement to be in writing and signed by each party or a representative with authority, and allow electronic signatures.[2] Unlike most mediation communications, a signed written agreement reached in mediation generally isn't confidential under Florida law unless the parties agree otherwise.[3]
Varies by state
Signing formalities and enforcement rules differ by state and case type. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Partial agreementAn agreement that settles some, but not all, of the issues in a mediation.
- Enforceable agreementA settlement agreement a court can enforce if a party doesn't follow it.
- Mediated settlement agreement (MSA)A written agreement the parties sign at the end of a successful mediation.
- Electronic signatureA 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.
- Memorandum of understanding (MOU)A written summary of what the parties agreed in 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.
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 154 (Alternative dispute resolution procedures)↩
- 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)↩
- Fla. Stat. § 44.405 (Confidentiality; privilege; exceptions), 2026↩
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Settlement agreement: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/settlement-agreement/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.