Rule VIII Effect of Written Settlement Agreement

If you and the other side reach a settlement during mediation and put it in writing, that agreement becomes legally binding, just like any other contract. This means either side can be held to what they agreed to, and if someone breaks the deal, the other party can take legal action to enforce it.

The judge also has the option to make the settlement part of the official court order that closes out the case. If this happens, the agreement isn't just a private contract between the parties anymore. It becomes part of the court record, which can make it easier to enforce if there are problems down the road.