Is a mediated estate settlement binding, and how is it made final?

Yes. While no one can be forced to settle, once the parties reach an agreement and sign a written settlement, it becomes a binding and enforceable contract. In a probate matter, the settlement is typically documented carefully and, where a probate proceeding is pending, presented to the court so that the resolution can be incorporated into the administration of the estate — for example, through an agreed order or an amended plan of distribution. Because estate settlements often involve multiple parties and the transfer of specific assets, it is important that the written agreement be complete and precise about who receives what, who signs which documents, and how and when the distributions occur, so the resolution can actually be carried out.