Opinion ID: 1755871
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Settlements and motions to enforce settlement

Text: A compromise settlement is a contract. In order for the compromise settlement to be legally valid, it must possess the essential elements of any other contract. L.B. v. State Committee of Psychologists, 912 S.W.2d 611, 616 (Mo.App. 1995). Agreements to settle pending lawsuits are enforceable by motion. A motion to compel settlement adds to a pending action a collateral action for specific performance of the settlement agreement. McKean v. St. Louis County, 964 S.W.2d 470, 471 (Mo.App.1998). The party requesting specific performance of the agreement has the burden of proving the claim by clear, convincing, and satisfactory evidence. Woods ex rel. Woods v. Cory, 192 S.W.3d 450, 457 (Mo.App.2006). Determination of whether a settlement has occurred when the parties dispute a settlement requires proof of factual issues. When the underlying case is on appeal, the trial court remains the proper forum for determination of the facts and entry of judgment. A party seeking enforcement of a settlement should file its motion in the trial court and give notice to the appellate court that the motion to enforce settlement has been filed. Upon receipt of the notice, the appellate court should hold the appeal in abeyance pending judgment on the motion. The parties should notify the appellate court when the judgment on the motion to enforce settlement is entered. The appellate court also should be notified if an appeal of that judgment will be filed. If an appeal on the motion judgment will be filed, that appeal should be expedited and resolved before the original appeal is determined. If no appeal of the motion judgment will be filed, the appellant in the original appeal promptly should dismiss the original appeal.