Melbourne Family Lawyers understands that privacy is an important individual right. Privacy is important to our own business and the businesses of our clients. This policy sets out our commitment to maintain information handling standards. We are also bound to comply with the National Privacy Principles as set out in the Privacy Act 1988.
We only collect personal information where it is necessary for our business purposes or if there is a legal requirement for us to do so. The type of personal information that Melbourne Family Lawyers collects will depend on the nature of your dealing with us. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that you know why we are collecting your personal information, what we use it for, to whom we may disclose it and how you can access it to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
There are some circumstances where it is not reasonable or practicable for us to let you know this information. For example, it is our practice not to disclose such information to an individual if doing so would:
– breach our legal and professional obligations to our client – undermine the purpose for which the information is being collected (where collection is for a legitimate business practice) – where we collect information from public records
We may collect sensitive information (such as information relating to your health, ethnicity or sexual orientation) where collection is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of a legal or equitable claim. As confidentiality is important for the due process of the law, it is often not possible or legally necessary to obtain your consent in such circumstances. However, if we need to collect sensitive information in other circumstances, then we will obtain your consent.
In this policy, personal information means information or an opinion that identifies you or could reasonably identify you. This can include your name, contact details, date of birth, and information you share with us when you enquire about legal services.
We usually collect information directly from you by phone, email, online forms, or meetings. In some matters, we may also collect information from third parties or public sources where it is lawful and appropriate to do so.
When you use our website, we may collect technical data such as your IP address, browser type, and pages viewed. We may use cookies to help the site function properly and to understand how visitors use our pages. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but parts of the website may not work as intended.
We may disclose your information to people who help us run your matter or our practice, such as barristers, experts, courts, secure storage providers, and IT providers. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access. Client files are generally retained for at least 7 years.
You can request access to, or correction of, your personal information by contacting us. We may ask you to confirm your identity and may charge a reasonable admin fee for copies.
If you have a privacy concern, contact us in writing, and we will respond as soon as practicable. You can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner if you are not satisfied.
