- The party accused of a civil wrong agrees to pay a settlement amount or take a specific action while the aggrieved party accepts the settlement terms. If monetary damages are an issue, the accused party issues a settlement check. In consideration, the aggrieved party signs a "release of all claims," which forms a written contract committing to the finality of the dispute.
- Generally, each side agrees to pay one half of the mediator's time, regardless of whether the parties reach a settlement. No further expenses and costs become necessary after a mediation settlement, as the parties no longer have to concern themselves with further litigation.
- If a lawsuit was originally filed, the aggrieved party files the appropriate court paperwork to remove the action from the court docket. The court marks the matter withdrawn or settled, which means as a matter of record, the litigation has officially concluded.
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