Do I have to settle at mediation?
General Mediation
Answer
No. A party generally retains the right to reject a settlement proposal and continue with litigation, arbitration, or another available process. A mediator can encourage compromise and reality-test positions, but ordinarily cannot compel agreement.
Reviewed by Wayne Lazarus on September 13, 2026.
This information is educational and is not legal advice.
Reviewed by Wayne H. Lazarus, attorney with more than 50 years’ experience, member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Florida Bar, and of Alternative Dispute Resolution sections.