For a Healthsource Chiropractic franchise in Washington, can the location of arbitration be determined at the time of the arbitration proceeding?
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, for franchises purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington state. However, the location can also be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. In addition, the arbitrator or mediator can determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This means that prospective Healthsource Chiropractic franchisees in Washington may not know the exact location of arbitration or mediation until the time of the proceeding. This provides some flexibility, as the parties can agree on a location that is convenient for both, or the arbitrator/mediator can decide based on the circumstances.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand that while the initial default location is Washington, there are alternative possibilities for where arbitration or mediation could occur. Franchisees should consider the potential costs and inconveniences associated with arbitrating or mediating outside of their local area. Franchisees should discuss this with Healthsource Chiropractic to understand the factors that might influence the final decision on the location of arbitration or mediation.