Privacy Policy v1.1

1. Introduction

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, we prioritise safeguarding the privacy and personal information of our clients and website visitors. We understand the importance of privacy and are committed to handling personal information responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information. By interacting with our website or engaging our legal services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact us using the details provided in the final section.

2. Information Collected

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, we collect personal information to deliver our legal services effectively and provide a seamless user experience. Below are the types of personal information we collect and the methods we use to collect it:

Types of Personal Information Collected

  • Personal Details: Name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.

  • Financial Information: Payment details and billing information.

  • Sensitive Information: When necessary, we may collect sensitive information, such as health conditions, family circumstances, or legal matters required for your case. This information is handled in strict compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws.

  • Website Usage Data: Information such as IP addresses, browsing behaviour, and preferences, collected through cookies and analytics tools.

How We Collect Personal Information

  • Directly from You: Through website forms, email, phone calls, or consultations when you engage our legal services.

  • From Third Parties: In some cases, we may receive information from third parties such as government agencies, legal representatives, or service providers, when authorised by you or required by law.

  • Automated Means: Certain data may be automatically collected when you visit our website, such as browsing patterns and device information.

We collect this information to provide tailored legal advice, improve our services, and ensure the security of our website. Where possible, you may interact with us anonymously or use a pseudonym, except when impractical or where required by law to identify you.

3. Use of Information

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, we use the personal information collected to deliver legal services and ensure effective communication with clients and website visitors. Below is an outline of how your information is used:

Primary Purposes

  • To provide tailored legal advice and representation for your specific circumstances.

  • To respond to inquiries and communicate updates about your case or our services.

  • To process payments and issue invoices for services provided.

  • To comply with legal obligations, including maintaining accurate records and responding to court orders or regulatory requirements.

Secondary Purposes

  • To improve our website, services, and client experience using feedback and website analytics.

  • To send you relevant updates or legal insights if you have opted to receive such communications.

Assurance of Privacy

We respect your privacy and will not sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing purposes. Your information will only be disclosed:

  • With your explicit consent.

  • When required by law, such as responding to court subpoenas or fulfilling other legal obligations.

  • To trusted third-party service providers (e.g., IT support, payment processors) who assist in delivering our services. These providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and must adhere to data protection standards.

We ensure that your personal information is used only for the purposes outlined above and with your privacy as our priority.

4. Storage and Protection of Information

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, safeguarding your personal information is a top priority. We employ stringent measures to ensure your data is securely stored and protected against unauthorised access, misuse, or loss.

How We Store Personal Information

  • Electronic Records: Information collected through our website or client interactions is securely stored on encrypted servers with restricted access.

  • Physical Records: Hard copies of personal information are stored in locked, secure premises accessible only to authorised personnel.

Security Measures

  • Encryption: All sensitive data transmitted through our website is protected using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology.

  • Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to authorised team members who require it to perform their duties.

  • System Monitoring and Maintenance: Our IT infrastructure is regularly monitored, updated, and tested to guard against cyber threats such as hacking or data breaches.

  • Compliance Standards: We adhere to best practices recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to ensure the highest levels of data security.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or to meet legal and regulatory requirements. When information is no longer needed, it is securely destroyed or de-identified in accordance with Australian law.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Information

While we take extensive precautions to protect your data, we encourage you to take steps to safeguard your information by:

  • Keeping your devices secure and software up to date.

  • Being cautious with emails and messages to avoid phishing scams.

  • Using strong, unique passwords for online accounts.

By combining our protective measures with your vigilance, we ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your personal information.

5. Sharing of Information

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, we handle your personal information with the utmost care and respect. There are limited circumstances where we may share your information, as outlined below:

When We May Share Information

  • With Your Consent: We will share your personal information with third parties only when you have provided explicit consent.

  • Legal Obligations: Your information may be disclosed to regulatory authorities, courts, or government agencies when required by law or to comply with legal processes, such as responding to court subpoenas.

  • Service Providers: We may engage trusted third-party providers to assist in delivering our services, such as IT support, payment processors, or consultants. These providers are contractually required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your personal information.

Confidentiality Assurance

All third parties who receive your personal information must adhere to strict confidentiality standards and use the information solely for the purposes specified by us. We carefully select and monitor our service providers to ensure compliance with privacy and data protection laws.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing purposes. Sharing occurs only when absolutely necessary, and we always prioritise your privacy.

6. Website Usage Data

When you visit the Allison Rowe Family Lawyers website, certain non-personal information may be collected to enhance your browsing experience and improve our services. Below is an overview of how we handle website usage data.

Information Collected

  • Cookies: Our website uses cookies to store small data files on your device. Cookies help us track your preferences, remember your settings, and analyse website traffic.

  • Analytics Tools: We use analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to collect information such as:

    • Your IP address.

    • Browser type and operating system.

    • Pages visited, time spent on the site, and other browsing behaviours.

How We Use Website Usage Data

  • To improve the functionality and performance of our website.

  • To provide a more personalised browsing experience.

  • To monitor website security and detect any potential threats.

Opt-Out Options

  • You can manage cookies by adjusting your browser settings to block or notify you when cookies are in use.

  • Many analytics tools, including Google Analytics, provide opt-out options if you do not wish your activity to be tracked.

By continuing to use our website, you consent to the collection and use of website usage data as outlined in this Privacy Policy. We are committed to ensuring that any data collected is handled responsibly and securely.

7. Client Rights and Access

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, we respect your rights regarding your personal information. Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, you have the following rights, and we are committed to helping you exercise them.

Your Rights

  • Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.

  • Correction: If you believe any of your personal information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, you can request that it be corrected.

  • Deletion: In certain circumstances, you may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal or regulatory obligations.

  • Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been breached, you can lodge a complaint with us or escalate it to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if unresolved.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To access, update, or delete your personal information, or to make a privacy-related complaint, please contact us using the details provided in the "Contact Information" section.

  • We aim to respond to all requests and complaints promptly, typically within 30 days of receipt.

We are committed to resolving any concerns about your privacy transparently and efficiently. If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the OAIC for further assistance.

8. Updates to the Privacy Policy

At Allison Rowe Family Lawyers, we may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, our practices, or the services we offer.

Policy Updates

  • Any updates to this Privacy Policy will be published on our website, and the "Last Updated" date will be revised accordingly.

  • We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we handle and protect your personal information.

Your Continued Use

By continuing to use our website or engaging our services after updates are made, you acknowledge and agree to the revised terms of the Privacy Policy.

We remain committed to maintaining transparency and protecting your privacy as our practices evolve.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are committed to addressing your inquiries promptly and transparently.

Contact Details

  • Phone: (03) 8357 9157

  • Email: enquiries@allisonrowe.com.au

  • Address: PO Box 41 , Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097

For Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 or the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), you can lodge a complaint with us directly. We will investigate your complaint and aim to provide a resolution within 30 days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

We value your trust and are dedicated to ensuring your privacy is protected at all times.