How to Settle a Dispute Without Going to Court (Deed of Settlement)

You have been in a dispute for weeks or months. You sent a letter of demand. Maybe they sent one back. You both want it over, and you have agreed on a number or a resolution — but now what?

A handshake or an email agreement can be binding, but it is easy to argue later about what it covered. A Deed of Settlement records the agreed terms and the release in full.

What a Deed of Settlement does

A Deed of Settlement is a legally binding document that:

• Records the agreed terms (payment amount, timeline, actions each party will take)
• Includes a mutual release — both sides agree not to pursue further claims on the matter
• Can include confidentiality (neither side talks about the dispute publicly)
• Can include non-disparagement (neither side badmouths the other)
• Is enforceable in court as a contract

When you need one

• You have agreed to settle a debt for less than the full amount
• A tribunal case is pending and both parties want to resolve it before the hearing
• An employment dispute is being resolved informally
• A contract dispute has been negotiated to a compromise
• A neighbour or strata dispute has been talked through and both sides want closure

Get yours drafted

Claim Done drafts your Deed of Settlement for $49. Tell us what was agreed, who the parties are, and any special terms — we draft a deed ready for both parties to sign. Done in about 5 minutes.