Many mandamus cases end not with a contested ruling, but with a negotiated resolution or voluntary dismissal.

Because the government frequently adjudicates the underlying matter shortly after being served with a mandamus petition, a significant share of these cases end through settlement or voluntary dismissal rather than a contested judicial decision.

Voluntary dismissal after adjudication

If the respondent completes the requested action — issuing a decision, filing a document, releasing records — the petitioner typically files a notice or stipulation of voluntary dismissal under the applicable civil procedure rules, formally closing the case.

Negotiated settlement agreements

In some cases, the parties negotiate a settlement establishing a specific deadline for the respondent to act, sometimes with additional terms addressing costs or attorney's fees, which the court may then approve or simply allow the parties to file as a basis for dismissal.

Attorney's fees in a voluntary dismissal

Petitioners represented by counsel should address attorney's fees explicitly before dismissing a case, since dismissal can affect eligibility to later seek fees under fee-shifting statutes like the Equal Access to Justice Act — this is a detail worth confirming with counsel before finalizing any dismissal.

Dismissal without prejudice versus with prejudice

A dismissal without prejudice generally preserves the ability to refile later if circumstances warrant, while a dismissal with prejudice typically forecloses that option — petitioners should understand which type of dismissal they are agreeing to before signing any stipulation.

When the case doesn't fully resolve through dismissal

If only part of the requested relief has been achieved — for example, one linked application was adjudicated but another remains pending — petitioners can sometimes narrow the case to the remaining live issues rather than dismissing entirely.