Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the limited circumstances in which we may share it. It also describes your rights regarding your personal information and how you can exercise those rights.

By using our Website, you are agreeing to the terms of this Privacy Policy. Because privacy laws and technology evolve, we may update this Policy from time to time. We encourage you to check back periodically so that you remain informed about how we are protecting your data.

No Attorney–Client Relationship Created by Website Use

Please note that visiting our Website, filling out forms, or communicating with us online does not establish an attorney–client relationship. An attorney–client relationship is only formed once you speak with one of our attorneys and both you and the Firm sign a written agreement for representation.

We strongly advise that you do not submit confidential or highly sensitive information (such as Social Security numbers, medical records, financial details, or other private data) through online forms or chat features. Any such information is submitted at your own risk.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information in several ways:

• User-provided information: When you complete our contact form, subscribe to SMS notifications, or request a consultation, you may provide details such as your name, phone number, email address, mailing address, and basic case information.
• Technical and usage information: Like most websites, our servers automatically capture information such as your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring webpage, pages visited, date and time of access, and search queries.
• Cookies and tracking technologies: We may use cookies and similar tools to personalize your experience, remember your preferences, and analyze how visitors use the Website.

How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for purposes based on our legitimate business interests, our professional and ethical obligations as a Florida law firm, compliance with applicable laws, and/or with your consent.

We use the information we collect or receive for the following purposes:

To Respond to Your Inquiries and Provide Consultations
We use your information to answer your questions, evaluate whether we may be able to represent you, and, if appropriate, schedule a consultation.

To Evaluate Potential Claims
If you provide details about your situation, we may use that information to assess whether your matter falls within our practice areas and whether we can accept your case.

To Communicate with You About Services and Updates
We may use your information to send administrative notices, such as updates to our policies, changes in our terms, or important service-related information. If you have opted in, we may also send newsletters, firm updates, or SMS notifications. You can opt out at any time.

To Improve Website Functionality and Security
Information about Website use helps us maintain security, troubleshoot technical issues, and improve the performance and content of our Website.

To Protect Our Legal Rights and Comply with Obligations
We may use your information as necessary to comply with legal requirements, respond to court orders or lawful government requests, and protect the rights, safety, and property of our clients, staff, and the public.

To Post Testimonials (With Your Consent)
If you provide us with a testimonial, we may publish it on our Website or in Firm materials. We will always obtain your consent before doing so, and you may withdraw that consent at any time by contacting us.

For Internal Business Purposes
We may use aggregated, anonymized information to analyze usage trends, measure the effectiveness of outreach efforts, and improve our services. This type of data does not identify you personally.

Importantly, Van Dingenen Law does not sell your personal information to third parties.

Information Sharing

We understand that your trust depends on how responsibly we handle your information. Van Dingenen Law will only share personal information in limited circumstances, and always in a manner consistent with our professional and ethical obligations as Florida attorneys.

We may process or share your data based on the following legal bases:

• Consent: With your specific consent, we may use or share your personal information for a particular purpose.
• Legitimate interests: We may process your data when reasonably necessary to achieve our legitimate business purposes, such as maintaining Website functionality and client communication.
• Performance of a contract: If you enter into a representation agreement with us, we may use your information to fulfill our contractual obligations to you.
• Legal obligations: We may disclose your information when required to comply with applicable law, court orders, government requests, or regulatory obligations, including those imposed by the Florida Bar.
• Vital interests: We may disclose information if necessary to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding potential violations of law or Firm policies, suspected fraud, threats to safety, or as evidence in legal proceedings.

More specifically, we may share personal information in the following situations:

• Vendors and service providers: We may share information with trusted third-party vendors who provide services such as Website hosting, IT support, email delivery, secure communications, or data storage. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may not use it for their own purposes.
• Professional referrals: If we are unable to represent you, we may, with your consent, refer your matter to another qualified attorney or law firm and share the information necessary to facilitate that referral.
• Business transfers: In the unlikely event of a merger, reorganization, acquisition, or sale of Firm assets, your information may be transferred as part of that process, subject to professional and ethical obligations.
• Protection of rights and safety: We may share information when necessary to protect our legal rights, property, safety, or that of our clients, staff, or others.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

SMS Communications

If you choose to opt in to receive SMS messages from Van Dingenen Law, we may use your phone number to send updates, reminders, or information about our services. You may opt out at any time by replying "STOP" to a message. Your SMS information will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except as required to provide the messaging service or comply with the law.

Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize returning visitors and improve the usability of our Website. We may use:

• Essential cookies: Required for core Website functionality.
• Performance and analytics cookies: To understand visitor behavior and improve user experience.
• Preference cookies: To remember your settings or preferences.

You can manage or turn off cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may limit the functionality of certain Website features.

Use of Google Maps

Our Website may integrate Google Maps APIs to enhance functionality and improve the services we provide to visitors. By using any features that rely on Google Maps, you agree to be bound by Google's Terms of Service and are subject to Google's Privacy Policy.

Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party vendors to help us operate the Website, deliver communications, or analyze Website usage. These vendors may collect limited information, such as IP addresses or browsing activity, solely to perform their contracted services. Any data collected in this way is processed anonymously and in aggregate, and personal details are not disclosed.

We do not allow third-party advertisers or ad networks to collect personal information about our visitors for targeted marketing purposes through this Website.

Florida-Specific Privacy Information

Because Van Dingenen Law operates in Florida, we comply with state and federal privacy laws applicable to legal practices and professional services. Florida does not currently have a comprehensive consumer privacy statute; however, Florida law imposes strict duties on attorneys regarding client confidentiality (see Florida Bar Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 4-1.6). This means that any personal information you share with us in the context of legal representation is protected by attorney–client confidentiality obligations.

Information collected through this Website that does not establish an attorney–client relationship (such as general inquiries) will still be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy and with reasonable safeguards to protect your privacy.

Data Security

We use commercially reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to help protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a more extended retention period is required or permitted by law, such as for regulatory, tax, or legal record-keeping obligations. Once your information is no longer needed, we will either delete it, anonymize it, or securely store it until deletion is possible. In some cases, information may remain in secure backup archives; when this occurs, we will isolate it from further use until it can be permanently removed. All retention and disposal practices are carried out in accordance with applicable Florida law and our professional obligations as attorneys.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Request corrections or updates to inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of information, subject to legal record-keeping obligations.
• Opt out of receiving email or SMS marketing communications.

To exercise these rights, don't hesitate to get in touch with us using the information provided below.

Changes to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect updates in the law, our practices, or technology. If we make significant changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and may provide additional notice as required by law.