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A settlement agreement is a legal contract that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by all parties involved in a mediation. It is a legally binding agreement that resolves a dispute or conflict between two or more parties. To ensure that the settlement agreement is valid and enforceable, it must be signed by all parties involved in the mediation. By signing the settlement agreement, all parties are acknowledging and agreeing to the terms of the settlement. It is a way to document and make official the agreement reached in the mediation process. The signature of each party is proof that they have read, understood, and accepted the terms of the agreement.

If one party refuses to sign the settlement agreement, it can lead to further legal proceedings, and the dispute may continue unresolved. Without the signatures of all parties, the settlement agreement is not legally binding and can be challenged or invalidated. Signing the settlement agreement is a way for all parties to show their commitment to resolving the dispute amicably and avoid further legal action. It allows them to move forward, knowing that they have reached a mutually acceptable resolution.

On the other hand, a mediation agreement is a document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon during a mediation session. It is not necessarily legally binding, and its enforceability may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the agreement. A mediation agreement is often used in non-legal settings, such as workplace disputes or family law matters.

The main difference between a settlement agreement and a mediation agreement is the level of enforceability. A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement that can be enforced by law, while a mediation agreement may or may not be legally enforceable.Another difference between the two is the context in which they are used. Settlement agreements are typically used in the context of legal proceedings, while mediation agreements are used in a variety of settings, including workplace, family, and community disputes.

So, while a settlement agreement and a mediation agreement are both legal documents that document an agreement reached through the process of mediation, the main difference between the two is the level of enforceability, with settlement agreements being legally binding and enforceable, while mediation agreements may or may not be legally enforceable, depending on the specific circumstances. If you are looking for an example of what not to do: read this case.

Are you looking to get your mediation right? Contact our experienced mediators at Breakthrough Mediation today!