What type of document serves to formalize an agreement in civil court?

A settlement agreement serves to formalize an agreement reached between parties in a civil court. This document outlines the specific terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties to resolve their dispute without proceeding to trial. It is a crucial step in the civil litigation process, as it signifies that both parties have reached a mutual understanding, often leading to the dismissal of the case or a specified resolution.

In contrast, a complaint is the initial pleading that starts a lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff's claims against the defendant. An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, used in criminal cases rather than civil cases. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by an oath, which can be used in court as evidence but does not formalize an agreement between parties. Hence, the key role of a settlement agreement in formalizing the resolution of disputes makes it the correct choice in this context.