An out-of-court settlement refers to an agreement between two parties that resolves a dispute without the need for a court trial or hearing. There are several synonyms for this term, including negotiated settlement, mutual agreement, compromise resolution, and alternative dispute resolution. Negotiated settlement implies that both parties have engaged in formal discussions and have arrived at a mutual understanding. Mutual agreement simply refers to an amicable decision reached by both sides. A compromise resolution is a settlement that involves some degree of give and take from both parties. Finally, alternative dispute resolution refers to a variety of methods, including mediation and arbitration, that seek to resolve legal disputes without a formal court process.