What happens if any provision of the Caring Transitions agreement relating to termination, nonrenewal, assignment, choice of law, jurisdiction or venue is inconsistent with any applicable state franchise investment law?
Caring_Transitions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Ohio law shall prevail in the event of any conflict of law, except as specifically provided otherwise by any applicable state franchise investment laws, rules or regulations.
If any provision of this agreement relating to termination, nonrenewal or assignment of the franchise or choice of law, jurisdiction or venue is inconsistent with any applicable state franchise investment law, rules or regulations, such applicable state law shall apply.
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 41–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caring Transitions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if any part of the franchise agreement concerning termination, nonrenewal, assignment, choice of law, jurisdiction, or venue clashes with state franchise investment laws, the state law will take precedence. This ensures that franchisees are protected by the specific regulations in their state, which may offer different or more stringent protections than the standard agreement.
This clause is important for prospective Caring Transitions franchisees because franchise laws vary significantly from state to state. Some states have franchise relationship laws that protect franchisees from unfair termination or non-renewal, while others have stricter rules about assignment or venue for disputes. This provision acknowledges that state laws are designed to protect franchisees, and it ensures that those protections are not undermined by the standard terms of the Caring Transitions franchise agreement.
For example, a state law might require a longer notice period for termination than the Caring Transitions agreement specifies. In such a case, the state law's longer notice period would apply. Similarly, if a state law restricts the franchisor's ability to choose a specific venue for resolving disputes, that state law would override the venue selection clause in the franchise agreement. This clause provides assurance that franchisees will benefit from the legal protections available in their specific state, regardless of what the standard agreement says.
This aspect of the agreement provides a layer of security for franchisees, ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering recourse if the standard agreement terms are less favorable than state law. Prospective franchisees should still familiarize themselves with the franchise laws in their state and consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations.