Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the website mestocolle.center (the "Website") and any legal services provided by Mestocolle Legal Services ("we," "us," "our," or the "Firm"). By accessing or using our Website or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Website or services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of our Website or services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Professional Services

2.1 Legal Services

Mestocolle Legal Services provides professional legal services in various areas of law, including but not limited to:

• Immigration Law
• Employment Law
• Family Law
• Business Law
• Real Estate Law
• Criminal Defense

2.2 No Attorney-Client Relationship

Use of this Website or submission of information through our contact forms does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is only formed when:

• We have agreed in writing to represent you
• You have signed a retainer agreement
• We have confirmed our representation in writing

2.3 Consultation and Retainer

Initial consultations may be provided to discuss your legal matter and determine if we can assist you. A formal retainer agreement must be executed before we can provide ongoing legal services.

3. Website Use

3.1 Permitted Use

You may use our Website for:

• Learning about our legal services
• Reading our blog and legal information
• Contacting us for consultations
• Accessing resources we make available

3.2 Prohibited Use

You may not use our Website to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Transmit harmful, offensive, or illegal content
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the Website's operation or security
• Collect information about other users
• Use automated tools to access the Website
• Infringe on intellectual property rights

4. Information and Content

4.1 General Information Only

The information provided on this Website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal information is not the same as legal advice, and we cannot guarantee that information on our Website is current, complete, or applicable to your specific situation.

4.2 No Legal Advice

Nothing on this Website should be construed as legal advice or relied upon as a substitute for professional legal consultation. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always consult with qualified legal counsel for advice regarding your specific circumstances.

4.3 Accuracy Disclaimer

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no warranties or representations about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information on our Website.

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 Accurate Information

If you become our client, you agree to:

• Provide complete and accurate information
• Respond promptly to our requests for information
• Keep us informed of any changes in circumstances
• Follow our advice and instructions
• Pay fees and costs as agreed

5.2 Cooperation

Successful legal representation requires cooperation and communication between attorney and client. You agree to maintain regular communication and provide necessary assistance in your legal matter.

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Fee Arrangements

Our fees are based on various factors including:

• The complexity of your legal matter
• The time and effort required
• The experience and expertise needed
• Market rates for similar services
• Results achieved

6.2 Payment Terms

Payment terms will be specified in your retainer agreement. Generally:

• Retainer fees are due before we begin work
• Invoices are payable within 30 days
• Interest may be charged on overdue accounts
• We may suspend services for non-payment

6.3 Costs and Disbursements

In addition to legal fees, you may be responsible for costs and disbursements including:

• Court filing fees
• Expert witness fees
• Travel and accommodation expenses
• Document production and copying costs
• Third-party service provider fees

7. Confidentiality

7.1 Solicitor-Client Privilege

All communications between you and our lawyers are protected by solicitor-client privilege. We will maintain the confidentiality of your information as required by law and professional conduct rules.

7.2 Disclosure Exceptions

Confidentiality may be limited by:

• Your consent to disclosure
• Legal or professional obligations
• Court orders or legal process
• Prevention of serious harm
• Fee collection proceedings

8. Limitations of Liability

8.1 Professional Liability

Our liability for professional services is limited as provided by law and professional conduct rules. We maintain professional liability insurance as required by the Law Society.

8.2 Website Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND LIABILITY ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THIS WEBSITE. WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages resulting from Website downtime or technical issues
• Third-party content or links
• Viruses or malicious software

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Mestocolle Legal Services, its lawyers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of our Website
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of applicable laws
• Information you provide to us
• Third-party claims related to your legal matter

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Our Property

All content on this Website, including text, images, logos, and software, is owned by or licensed to Mestocolle Legal Services and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

10.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our Website for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

10.3 Restrictions

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content
• Use our trademarks or logos
• Create derivative works
• Remove copyright or other notices
• Use our content for commercial purposes

11. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of use of external sites. We encourage you to review their terms and policies before using their services.

13. Termination

13.1 Termination of Services

Either party may terminate the attorney-client relationship as provided in the retainer agreement and subject to professional conduct rules and applicable law.

13.2 Termination of Website Access

We may terminate or suspend your access to our Website at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason in our sole discretion.

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use our Website ceases immediately
• We will return your files as required by professional conduct rules
• You remain liable for unpaid fees and costs
• Confidentiality obligations continue

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

14.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario, Canada.

14.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

Before commencing litigation, the parties agree to attempt resolution through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods.

15. Professional Conduct

We are members of the Law Society of Ontario and are bound by their Rules of Professional Conduct. Our services are provided in accordance with these professional standards and applicable law.

16. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, labor disputes, or technical failures.

17. Severability

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

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any retainer agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Mestocolle Legal Services regarding your use of our Website and services.

19. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted on our Website. Your continued use of our Website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

20. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us:

21. Effective Date

These Terms of Service are effective as of December 15, 2024, and apply to all use of our Website and services from that date forward.