Is the arbitrator's decision binding on all parties in a Degree Wellness arbitration?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The award and decision of the arbitrator shall be conclusive and binding on all parties to this agreement, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction, and each such party waives any right to contest the validity or enforceability of such award.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the award and decision of the arbitrator is conclusive and binding on all parties to the agreement. This means that once the arbitrator makes a decision, all parties involved, including Degree Wellness and the franchisee, must abide by it.
Furthermore, the FDD states that judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. This means that the arbitrator's decision can be legally enforced through the court system if necessary. Each party also waives any right to contest the validity or enforceability of the award, indicating a strong commitment to accepting the arbitrator's decision as final.
This clause is typical in franchise agreements, as it provides a mechanism for resolving disputes outside of traditional litigation, which can be costly and time-consuming. By agreeing to binding arbitration, Degree Wellness franchisees agree to accept the arbitrator's decision as the final word, without the option of further appeals or challenges, promoting efficiency and finality in dispute resolution.