Terms of Service
Last updated: December 2024
Introduction and Scope
These Terms of Service govern your use of the Oakbridge Law website and the legal services we provide. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.
If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website or services. These terms complement our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, which should be read in conjunction with this document.
1. Service Usage Terms
1.1 Acceptable Use
You may use our website and services for lawful purposes only. When using our services, you agree to:
- • Provide accurate and truthful information in all communications
- • Respect intellectual property rights and confidentiality obligations
- • Use our services in good faith and for their intended purpose
- • Comply with all applicable laws and professional regulations
1.2 Prohibited Uses
You must not use our website or services to:
- • Transmit unlawful, harmful, or offensive content
- • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
- • Interfere with or disrupt our services or servers
- • Collect or harvest information about other users without permission
1.3 Fair Usage Guidelines
Our services are designed to provide thoughtful legal guidance. We ask that you engage with our services respectfully and reasonably, understanding that our resources serve multiple clients with varying needs.
2. Legal Services and Professional Relationship
2.1 Formation of Solicitor-Client Relationship
A solicitor-client relationship is only formed when we formally agree in writing to represent you. Initial enquiries, consultations, or general information provided through our website do not create a solicitor-client relationship. Professional obligations including confidentiality and conflict of interest checks apply only after formal engagement.
2.2 Scope of Services
We provide family law services in specific areas including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, adoption support, and civil partnership matters. The specific scope of services we provide to you will be outlined in our engagement letter. We do not provide services outside our areas of expertise.
2.3 Professional Standards
Our services are provided in accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations. We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by the SRA. All solicitors at Oakbridge Law are qualified and regulated legal professionals.
3. Website Access and Availability
3.1 Service Availability
We strive to ensure our website is available continuously, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Our website may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to suspend or withdraw access to our website without notice.
3.2 Service Modifications
We may modify, update, or discontinue features of our website at any time without prior notice. We are not liable for any modifications or interruptions to our services, provided these do not affect services you have already engaged and paid for under a formal agreement.
3.3 Geographic Restrictions
Our legal services are primarily designed for clients in England and Wales. The information on our website may not be applicable in other jurisdictions. If you access our website from outside England and Wales, you are responsible for compliance with local laws.
4. Intellectual Property Rights
4.1 Our Content Ownership
All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Oakbridge Law or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may view and print content for your personal, non-commercial use only.
4.2 Restrictions on Use
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, publicly display, or commercially exploit any content from our website without our prior written permission. Unauthorized use may violate copyright, trademark, and other laws.
4.3 Client Documents
Documents and work product we create specifically for you during our representation remain subject to our professional obligations. While you have rights to use documents related to your matter, we retain certain rights as specified in our engagement terms and professional regulations.
5. Fees and Payment Terms
5.1 Service Pricing
Our service fees are outlined on our website and in our engagement letters. Prices are quoted in British Pounds (£) and include VAT where applicable. We reserve the right to update our pricing, but changes will not affect services already engaged under existing agreements.
5.2 Payment Obligations
Payment terms will be specified in your engagement letter. Generally, we require payment in accordance with agreed milestones or billing schedules. Failure to make timely payments may result in suspension of services as permitted under our engagement terms and professional regulations.
5.3 Additional Costs
Some services may involve additional costs such as court fees, disbursements, or third-party expenses. These will be clearly communicated to you and charged separately from our professional fees.
6. Limitation of Liability
6.1 General Limitations
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.
6.2 Website Information
Information on our website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. We make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, but we do not warrant that website content is complete, accurate, or current. You should not rely on website information as a substitute for professional legal advice specific to your circumstances.
6.3 Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. We do not control or endorse these websites and are not responsible for their content or practices. Use of third-party websites is at your own risk.
7. Governing Law and Disputes
7.1 Applicable Law
These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these terms or use of our website will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
7.2 Dispute Resolution
If you have concerns about our services, we encourage you to contact us directly first. We are committed to resolving issues amicably. If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may have the right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman or the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
8. General Provisions
8.1 Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
8.2 Severability
If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be replaced with a valid provision that most closely matches the intent of the original.
8.3 Entire Agreement
These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Oakbridge Law regarding use of our website. They supersede any prior agreements or understandings regarding the same subject matter.
Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms of Service or any aspect of our services, please contact us through our contact page. We are here to help clarify any concerns you may have.