Form N182 UK: Mediation Settlement Agreement Guide
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When parties to a civil dispute reach a deal through mediation, they need a way to put that agreement on record with the court so it carries weight if things go wrong later. Form N182 is the document used for exactly this purpose.
It captures the terms the parties have agreed, the mediator's note of what was settled, and importantly, what either side can ask the court to do if the other fails to stick to the bargain. If you've just finished a mediation session and been handed this form, or you're preparing for one, it helps to understand what each section is really asking for and why the wording matters.
A settlement agreement is only as strong as the clarity of its terms, so taking care with N182 is worth the effort. This guide walks through what the form does, what you need to complete it, and the common questions people have once they start filling it in.
What this document is
Form N182 is a court form used in England and Wales to formally record the outcome of a mediated settlement between parties in a civil claim. Mediation is often encouraged by the courts as a quicker and cheaper way to resolve disputes than going through a full hearing, and when the parties reach an accord, that agreement needs to be written down in a way the court recognises.
The form typically covers a money dispute, for example one party agreeing to pay the other a sum by a certain date, but it can also cover non-monetary promises such as returning goods, providing a service, or performing some other obligation. Once signed by everyone involved, the terms become binding on the parties.
What makes N182 particularly useful is the built-in mechanism for dealing with a breach. If the party who owes money or owes performance fails to deliver, the other side can apply to the court, either to enter judgment for the unpaid amount, or to have the original claim restored for a full hearing.
This saves having to start fresh proceedings and is one of the main reasons mediated settlements are recorded this way rather than through an informal letter.
How to use this document
- Identify every party to the agreement. Write in the full legal names and current addresses of everyone bound by the settlement. If a party is a company, use the registered name and registered office. Missing or inaccurate details here can cause problems later if you need to enforce the agreement, so double-check spellings and addresses before moving on.
- Record the mediator's summary. The mediator should provide a short written summary of what was agreed during the session. This sits at the top of the substantive part of the form and frames the detailed terms that follow. It doesn't need to be long, but it should capture the essence of the resolution in neutral, accurate language.
- Set out the full terms of settlement. This is the heart of the form. Spell out exactly what each party has agreed to do, by when, and on what conditions. If money is changing hands, state the amount, the payment date, and how payment will be made. If there are non-monetary obligations, describe them specifically enough that a judge reading the form later would know whether the terms have been met.
- Flag any inaccuracies quickly. If after signing you spot that the written terms don't match what was actually agreed in the room, you generally have a short window, often around five days, to notify the court. Act promptly. Leaving a discrepancy unchallenged can make it much harder to argue later that the form doesn't reflect the true deal.
- Choose your remedy for breach and submit with the fee. The form offers two routes if the other side defaults: the court can enter judgment in your favour for the unpaid sum, or your original claim can be revived for a full hearing. Select the option that fits the type of breach, complete the payment details, and send the signed form to the court quoting your case number. A court fee applies, so check gov.uk for the current amount.
Common questions
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Common questions
Q Is a mediation settlement agreement legally binding?
Yes. Once all parties sign Form N182, the terms become contractually binding between them. Filing it with the court adds a further layer of protection because it enables direct enforcement through the court if one side breaches the agreement, rather than having to issue a fresh claim for breach of contract. That's a large part of why mediated settlements are recorded using this form.
Q What happens if the other party doesn't pay what was agreed?
The form gives you two options. You can apply to the court to enter judgment for the unpaid amount, which lets you then pursue standard enforcement methods such as a warrant of control or attachment of earnings. Alternatively, you can ask for your original claim to be restored for a full hearing. Which route suits you depends on the nature of the breach and what you want to achieve.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete Form N182?
No, it's a form designed to be completed by the parties themselves, often with help from the mediator. That said, if the settlement involves substantial sums, complex non-monetary obligations, or ongoing relationships between the parties, getting some guidance before signing is sensible. Once signed, you're committed to the terms as written.
Q Is there a fee for filing Form N182 with the court?
Yes, a fee applies when you submit the form to the court. Fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current amount. Payment is usually made by cheque payable to HMCTS or by other methods the court accepts. Make sure the fee is included with your submission, as the court will not process the form without it.
Q Can I change the terms after the form is signed?
Changing the terms after signature generally requires the agreement of all parties, much like varying any contract. If a genuine mistake was made in the written form and it doesn't reflect what was actually agreed at mediation, you should notify the court quickly, typically within a few days, so the error can be corrected. Deliberate changes of heart are much harder to accommodate.
Q What if mediation covered things beyond the original claim?
It's common for mediation to resolve wider issues between the parties than just the pleaded claim. You can include those broader terms in the settlement, but be careful about drafting. The court's enforcement mechanism built into N182 is geared to the original claim, so terms that go well beyond it may need to be enforced as a separate contract if breached.
Q Do all parties have to sign the same copy of the form?
Ideally yes, so there is a single authoritative document. In practice, where parties are in different locations, counterparts can sometimes be used, with each party signing their own copy and the signed pages combined. Check with the court or mediator before going down that route to make sure the version you file will be accepted.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £149.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N182 on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rulesjustice.gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSHMCTS court feesgov.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure how to word your settlement terms?
Getting the wording right on N182 matters, because vague terms are hard to enforce if the other side walks away from the deal. An experienced legal adviser can talk through what you've agreed and help you think about how to capture it clearly, based on what you describe on the call.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about the form
- Practical perspective on how to phrase your settlement terms
- Guidance tailored to what you describe about the breach options
- A clearer sense of what to watch out for before you sign
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.