Legal request template

Settlement agreement signing request template

A settlement agreement records the terms on which parties resolve a dispute, setting out what each will do so the matter is closed without further action.

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What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement is a contract that documents how parties have agreed to resolve a dispute or disagreement. It sets out the terms of the settlement, such as a payment, an action to be taken, or claims to be dropped, and usually confirms that the matter is fully and finally resolved. Settlement agreements are used across commercial, employment and contractual disputes to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continuing a fight.

Having a signed settlement agreement matters because it converts a negotiated outcome into a binding, documented commitment both sides can rely on. It gives each party certainty about their obligations and typically prevents the same dispute from being reopened. Because settlements can involve releases and ongoing obligations, a signing tool helps you execute and track the agreement, but the terms should be checked with professional advice before signing.

When to use a settlement agreement

Resolving a commercial dispute without going to or continuing in court
Settling an unpaid invoice or contract disagreement on agreed terms
Concluding an employment dispute with agreed payments or actions
Recording the outcome of a mediation or negotiation between parties

What to include in a settlement agreement

Background and dispute: a short description of the matter being settled.
Settlement terms: the payments, actions or deliverables each party agrees to.
Release of claims: confirmation that the dispute is fully and finally resolved.
Confidentiality: whether the terms or the dispute itself must be kept private.
Default and timing: deadlines for payment or action and what happens if missed.

Pros and cons of sending a settlement agreement as a signing request

Pros

Each settling party gets a private link to review before signing
Tracking shows opens, previews, signatures and declines for both sides
Expiry stops an unsigned settlement lingering after terms are agreed
A completion receipt evidences when each party accepted the terms

Cons and things to watch

All parties must sign before the settlement binds; one gap leaves it open
A poorly drafted release may not fully close off future claims
It records agreement but cannot force a party to perform the terms
Cosign sends and tracks the agreement but does not draft or advise on it

How to send a settlement agreement with Cosign

Upload the settlement agreement and preview it to confirm the parties and settlement terms are correct.
Add the settling parties as signers so each receives their own private link.
Set a 14-day expiry and add password protection given the sensitivity of the dispute.
Send, track each party's opens, signatures and declines, and keep the completion receipt on file.

Settlement agreement request details

Email subject

Settlement agreement signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this settlement agreement if the terms are accepted.

Signer setup

Settling parties

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign settlement agreement

Best fit

Legal teams

Settlement agreement FAQs

Is an electronically signed settlement agreement valid in Australia?

Generally, Australian law accepts electronic signatures for standard contracts like settlement agreements where parties consent and the signer is reliably identified. This is general information only and not legal advice.

Does a settlement agreement stop the dispute being reopened?

A well-drafted settlement usually includes a release confirming the matter is fully and finally resolved, which is intended to prevent reopening. The exact effect depends on the wording, so seek professional advice.

Is the settlement agreement kept confidential through Cosign?

Yes. Each party receives a private link and the document is kept private. Cosign does not allow the settlement to be indexed by search engines.

What if one party signs and another declines?

Cosign shows each signer's status, including declines, so you can see the settlement is not yet complete. It generally binds only once all parties have signed.

Can I track when each party views and signs the agreement?

Yes. Cosign records opens, previews, signatures and declines for every signer, so you can see exactly where the settlement stands and follow up as needed.