What is the significance of the 'IN WITNESS WHEREOF' clause in the Healthsource Chiropractic amendment?

According to the 2025 Healthsource Chiropractic Franchise Disclosure Document, the phrase "IN WITNESS WHEREOF" precedes the signatures of both the franchisor and the franchisee (or developer) on the amendment to the Development Agreement. This clause signifies that both parties are formally acknowledging and agreeing to the terms and conditions outlined in the amendment. It indicates that the parties are willingly entering into the agreement and are bound by its provisions as of the date specified. The inclusion of this clause, along with the signatures, serves to authenticate the document and provide legal validity to the amendment. Without this clause and the signatures, it would be difficult to prove that both parties had agreed to the changes in the original development agreement.

Specifically, the "IN WITNESS WHEREOF" clause appears in several state-specific amendments to the Development Agreement, including those for California, New York, Illinois, and Maryland. This highlights that Healthsource Chiropractic uses this clause consistently across different jurisdictions to ensure the amendments are legally sound and enforceable. The presence of signature lines for both the franchisor (Healthsource Chiropractic, LLC) and the franchisee/developer further emphasizes the mutual agreement and commitment to the amended terms.

For a prospective Healthsource Chiropractic franchisee, the "IN WITNESS WHEREOF" clause is a standard legal formality that confirms their agreement to the amended terms of the Development Agreement. By signing the document following this clause, the franchisee acknowledges their understanding and acceptance of any changes or additions to the original agreement. It is crucial for franchisees to carefully review the entire amendment before signing, as their signature legally binds them to the revised terms. This clause underscores the importance of due diligence and seeking legal counsel to fully understand the implications of the amendment before execution.