Who pays for attorney fees and costs during mediation for a Carbones Pizzeria dispute?

According to the 2025 Carbones Pizzeria Franchise Disclosure Document, in the event of a dispute requiring mediation, each party is responsible for their own legal costs. Specifically, the franchisee and Carbones Pizzeria will each cover their respective attorney fees and associated costs incurred during the mediation process.

This arrangement is fairly standard in franchising, as it ensures that both parties bear the burden of their legal representation. It also encourages both parties to approach mediation with a willingness to compromise, as each is directly responsible for managing their own legal expenses.

In addition to covering their own attorney fees, both the franchisee and Carbones Pizzeria will split the costs associated with the mediator. Each party is responsible for paying one-half of the mediator's fees, regardless of the mediation's outcome. This cost-sharing structure further incentivizes efficient and good-faith participation in the mediation process, as both parties have a financial stake in reaching a resolution quickly and amicably.