What is the procedure if the highest-ranking mediator is unavailable to serve for Augusta Lawn Care?

According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the highest-ranking mediator is unavailable, the parties involved must contact the mediator who was ranked next highest. This process continues until a mediator is selected who is available to serve.

Prior to this step, the authorized persons from each party have seven days to submit written lists of acceptable mediators, who are not associated with either party. Within seven days of receiving the lists, they must rank the mediators in numerical order of preference and exchange the rankings. If there are names on both lists, the highest-ranking one is designated as the mediator. If this initial process does not result in a selection, the parties jointly request a list of qualified potential mediators from the arbitral organization designated in Section 11.8.

Within seven days of receiving this list, the parties must again rank the proposed mediators and simultaneously exchange their lists. The mediator with the highest combined ranking is then appointed. The process of contacting mediators in order of ranking continues until an available mediator is found, ensuring that mediation can proceed even if the first choice is unavailable.