Last Updated: January 15, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

Law Office of Gregory VanderWoude, PLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you interact with our law firm, including through our website, communications, and services.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

- Name, address, and contact information

- Email address

- Phone number

- Social Security number

- Financial information

- Case-related information

- Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Communication Data

When you communicate with us through various channels, we collect:

- Email correspondence

- Phone call records

- Text messages (SMS) and messaging content

- Voice messages

- Written correspondence

3. SMS/TEXT MESSAGE COMMUNICATIONS

3.1 Consent

By providing your mobile phone number and opting into our text message communications, you expressly consent to receive:

- Appointment reminders

- Case updates

- Important notifications

- Administrative messages

- Other law firm-related communications

3.2 Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on your interaction with our firm.

3.3 SMS Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. Please consult your mobile service carrier plan for details.

3.4 Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt-out of text messages at any time by:

- Replying "STOP" to any message we send

- Contacting our office directly

- Updating your communication preferences through our office

3.5 Help Instructions

Reply "HELP" to any message for assistance with our SMS service.

3.6 Mobile Opt-In Protection

We do not share, sell, rent, or lease your mobile opt-in information with any third parties. Your decision to opt-in to our SMS communications remains strictly confidential within our firm.

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

4.1 No Marketing Data Sharing

We explicitly do not share, sell, or transfer your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes under any circumstances.

4.2 Limited Information Sharing

We may share your information only in the following specific circumstances:

- Courts and opposing counsel (as required for legal proceedings)

- Third-party service providers who assist in our operations (such as IT services, secure data storage)

- Government agencies (as required by law)

- Professional advisers and consultants (bound by confidentiality)

- Law enforcement (when required by law)

4.3 Service Provider Restrictions

All service providers who may have access to your data are contractually prohibited from:

- Using the information for their own purposes

- Selling the information

- Sharing the information with other parties

5. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the collected information to:

- Provide legal services

- Communicate about your case

- Send important updates and notifications

- Process payments

- Comply with legal obligations

- Improve our services

- Respond to your inquiries

- Schedule and manage appointments

- Send marketing communications (with your consent)

6. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information. However, no electronic transmission or storage system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. DATA RETENTION

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

- Provide our services

- Comply with legal obligations

- Resolve disputes

- Enforce agreements

8. YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to:

- Access your personal information

- Correct inaccurate information

- Request deletion of your information

- Opt-out of marketing communications

- Withdraw consent for SMS communications

- Request a copy of your data

9. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.

10. CONTACT US

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Law Office of Gregory VanderWoude, PLC

P.O. Box 1351

Holland, MI 49423

(616) 200-6785

office@gvwlegal.com

11. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS

California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other state laws. Please contact us for more information about your California privacy rights.

12. GOVERNING LAW

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the state of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

13. PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY

This Privacy Policy is:

- Available at gvwlegal.com/privacy-policy