For a Healthsource Chiropractic franchise in Washington, does the amendment specify that the arbitration or mediation site can be determined by the arbitrator or mediator?
Healthsource_Chiropractic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 77–282)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Healthsource Chiropractic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the amendment for Washington franchises addresses the location of arbitration or mediation proceedings. It states that the site will be in Washington, a location mutually agreed upon, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator. This means that if a dispute arises and goes to arbitration or mediation, the location could be decided by the arbitrator or mediator if the parties do not agree on a location.
This is a significant point for prospective franchisees in Washington because it clarifies the venue for dispute resolution. Without this provision, franchisees might be required to travel to a different state for arbitration or mediation, incurring additional costs. The amendment ensures that the process will occur within Washington unless both parties agree otherwise, or the arbitrator/mediator decides otherwise.
It is important to note that this amendment is specific to franchises purchased in Washington. Franchisees should be aware of this provision and understand their rights regarding dispute resolution. This clause aims to protect franchisees by ensuring a more accessible and potentially less costly process for resolving disputes.