Where must mediation for Deer Solution disputes take place?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| u. Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | 18.G. | Except for certain claims for injunctive relief, all disputes must first be submitted to non-binding mediation in Morris County, New Jersey and, if mediation is unsuccessful, then to binding arbitration in Morris County, New Jersey. This provision is subject to applicable state law. |
|---|---|---|
| V. Choice of forum | 18.G. | All mediation, arbitration and, if applicable, litigation |
| proceedings must be conducted in, or closest to, State court | ||
| of general jurisdiction that is within or closest to Morris | ||
| County, New Jersey or, if appropriate, the United States | ||
| District Court nearest to our corporate headquarters at the | ||
| time such action is filed. This provision is subject to | ||
| applicable state law. | ||
| w. Choice of law | 18.F. | New Jersey law will govern. However, this provision is |
| subject to state law and as otherwise disclosed in Exhibit H |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 40–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, except for claims seeking injunctive relief, all disputes must first undergo non-binding mediation in Morris County, New Jersey. If mediation fails, the dispute will proceed to binding arbitration, also in Morris County, New Jersey. This requirement is subject to applicable state law.
Furthermore, all mediation, arbitration, and litigation proceedings must occur in the state court of general jurisdiction nearest to Morris County, New Jersey, or, if appropriate, the United States District Court closest to Deer Solution's corporate headquarters at the time the action is filed. This provision is also subject to applicable state law.
This means that as a Deer Solution franchisee, you may be required to travel to Morris County, New Jersey, to resolve disputes with the franchisor through mediation or arbitration. Franchisees should be aware of the potential costs associated with this requirement, including travel expenses and legal fees. It is important to note that New Jersey law governs the franchise agreement, but this is subject to state law and Exhibit H of the Disclosure Document.