Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hartwell Legal. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website located at hartwellgc.info ("Website") and your engagement of our legal services ("Services").

By accessing our Website or engaging our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our Website or Services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Hartwell Legal, a law practice operating in Ontario, Canada.

2. Definitions

• "Services" refers to legal consultations, document preparation, legal representation, and any other professional services provided by Hartwell Legal
• "Client" or "You" refers to any individual or entity that engages our Services or uses our Website
• "We," "Us," or "Our" refers to Hartwell Legal and its lawyers, staff, and authorized representatives
• "Content" refers to all text, images, documents, and other materials on our Website or provided through our Services
• "Engagement Agreement" refers to the formal retainer or service agreement entered into between you and Hartwell Legal

3. Use of Services

3.1 Permitted Use

Our Website and Services are intended for individuals seeking legal information and services in Canada. You agree to use our Website and Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.

3.2 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to engage our Services independently. Individuals under 18 may access our Services through a parent or legal guardian.

3.3 Accuracy of Information

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when contacting us or engaging our Services. You are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of your contact information.

4. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use our Website or Services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe upon our intellectual property rights or those of any third party
• Transmit any harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or data
• Engage in fraudulent activities or misrepresent your identity
• Harass, abuse, or harm our staff or other users
• Use automated systems to access our Website without permission
• Reproduce, distribute, or resell our Content without authorization

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Our Content

All Content on our Website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Hartwell Legal or our licensors and is protected by Canadian and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our Content without our express written consent.

5.2 Client Materials

You retain ownership of materials you provide to us. By providing materials in connection with our Services, you grant us a license to use those materials as necessary to provide the requested Services.

6. Payment Terms

6.1 Fees

All fees for our Services are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Specific fees and payment terms will be outlined in your Engagement Agreement prior to commencing work.

6.2 Payment Methods

We accept payment by credit card, debit, e-transfer, bank draft, and certified cheque. Payment is due as specified in your Engagement Agreement.

6.3 Taxes

Applicable taxes, including HST, will be added to all fees as required by law.

7. Refund Policy

Refund eligibility depends on the nature and stage of the Services provided:

• Consultation fees are generally non-refundable once the consultation has taken place
• For document preparation, refunds may be considered if work has not substantially commenced
• Retainer balances for work not performed will be refunded upon termination of the engagement
• Refund requests will be processed within 30 business days

Specific refund terms may be outlined in your Engagement Agreement.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

8.1 Website Information

The information on our Website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No solicitor-client relationship is created by your use of our Website.

8.2 No Outcome Assurances

While we strive to provide excellent service, we cannot and do not make assurances about specific outcomes for any legal matter. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

8.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Hartwell Legal shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of our Website or Services.

8.4 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or technical failures.

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate your engagement with us at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees for Services rendered prior to termination.

9.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or withdraw from an engagement in accordance with our professional obligations, including situations involving conflicts of interest, non-payment, or breakdown in the solicitor-client relationship.

9.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide you with your file materials in accordance with Law Society requirements. Provisions regarding intellectual property, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution survive termination.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Informal Resolution

We encourage you to contact us directly to resolve any concerns or disputes. Many issues can be resolved through open communication.

10.2 Mediation

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, either party may propose mediation through a mutually agreed mediator in Toronto, Ontario.

10.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings shall be brought in the courts of Ontario.

11. General Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any applicable Engagement Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hartwell Legal regarding the matters addressed herein.

11.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

11.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

11.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent.