Opinion ID: 2974361
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Intention of the Parties

Text: Finally, we review the district court’s finding that the parties unambiguously intended to reach a settlement in full by stipulating that the consent judgment was a “final order of the court, disposing of all remaining claims in this action.” The district judge, who participated in the settlement discussions and drafted the consent judgment, specifically ruled that “[t]his comprehensive language in the stipulated consent judgment demonstrates that the parties intended to reach a settlement in full.” McCuiston v. Conder, 385 F. Supp. 2d 617, 619 (E.D. Mich. 2005). Although intent is a question of fact, it may be determined by the court when the record permits only one inference. Jennings, 715 F.2d at 1114. A claim for attorney fees and costs was asserted in the complaint, but was not the subject of discussion at or prior to the settlement conference. The district court scheduled the settlement conference, and required that representatives with full authority to settle be in attendance. The terms of settlement were discussed and accepted, with no mention of the No. 05-2057 13 plaintiffs’ claim for nearly $160,000 in attorney fees and costs. While this meant that no separate agreement was reached on the claim for attorney fees, it did not prevent the parties from agreeing to a settlement in full. The Stipulated Consent Judgment executed by the parties awarded plaintiffs injunctive relief, included no monetary damages of any kind, and purported to dispose of “all remaining claims.” Plaintiffs point to no circumstances, except for their purposeful silence on the issue, to suggest that anything less than a comprehensive settlement was reached in this case. AFFIRMED.