How long do the parties have to reach a settlement through internal mediation with Degree Wellness before submitting to arbitration?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In the event that no settlement or resolution between the parties can be reached through internal mediation within thirty (30) days following the date on which a written request for internal mediation is made by any party, such dispute shall be submitted for arbitration pursuant to this Section. "Internal mediation" shall consist of, among other things, the parties having reasonable business discussions, whether by telephone or in person, concerning the dispute and means of resolving the same.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before commencing arbitration, both parties must attempt to resolve any dispute through internal mediation. This mediation should occur at a mutually agreed location, or, if no location is agreed upon within 10 days of a mediation request, at Degree Wellness's corporate headquarters.
The FDD specifies that if no settlement is reached within thirty (30) days from the date a written request for internal mediation is made, the dispute will then be submitted for arbitration. Internal mediation involves reasonable business discussions, either by telephone or in person, to explore ways to resolve the dispute.
However, there is an exception to this mediation requirement. Degree Wellness can elect to enforce the agreement or seek temporary or permanent injunctive relief without first engaging in internal mediation. This means that Degree Wellness has the option to bypass mediation and immediately pursue legal action in certain circumstances, as provided in Section 14 of the Franchise Agreement.