Where will arbitration or mediation take place for an Augusta Lawn Care franchise purchased in Washington?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–184)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchises purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington state. However, the location can also be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This means that if a dispute arises and cannot be resolved through negotiation, an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee in Washington may have to participate in arbitration or mediation proceedings within the state. However, there is flexibility for the parties to agree on an alternative location or for the arbitrator/mediator to determine the location.
Additionally, the FDD states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington. This provides an additional avenue for legal recourse within the state for specific types of disputes related to the franchise agreement or the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.