Mediation and arbitration are two ways that parties can try to minimize disputes outside of the courtroom; however, an arbitration is binding whereas mediation is not. During an arbitration, an arbitrator’s role is more like that of a judge. The arbitrator will examine the facts and evidence of both parties and essentially render a judgment, whereas a mediator does not make the final decision, but instead will look at the interest of both parties and help both parties to reach a resolution on their own based on those interests. Parties in mediation are in control of the outcome and can agree to settle or not. Upon reaching a settlement through mediation, especially in family law cases, the language in a mediated settlement agreement will state that the agreement made between the parties is irrevocable. The terms stated in the mediated settlement agreement are then drafted in the form of an order (i.e., Final Decree of Divorce, Order in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship, etc.). All parties and attorneys that signed the Mediated Settlement Agreement will review and sign the agreed order which will then be submitted to the Court for the Court’s signature. Once the Court signs the order, the order is final and, in the case of a divorce, typically, the day the Court signs the Agreed Decree of Divorce is the day that the parties are divorced.