If we settle a commercial dispute at mediation, is the agreement enforceable?

Yes. While no party can be forced to settle, once the parties reach an agreement and sign a written settlement, it becomes a binding and enforceable contract. This is why it is critical that the written agreement reached at mediation be complete and precise — addressing the settlement amount, payment terms and timing, the scope of any release, confidentiality, and any ongoing obligations between the businesses. A carefully drafted mediated settlement prevents later disputes about what was actually agreed. If a party fails to honor the signed agreement, the other side can ask the court to enforce it, which gives the resolution real finality.