Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• "We," "Us," "Our," refers to ambewod, a law firm providing family law services in Hong Kong
• "You," "Your," "Client" refers to any individual or entity using our services or website
• "Services" refers to legal services, consultations, and advice provided by our firm
• "Website" refers to our online presence at ambewods.pro
• "Agreement" refers to the engagement letter and these Terms and Conditions collectively

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website, contacting us for legal services, or engaging us as your legal representative, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our services or website.

You must be at least 18 years of age to engage our services. If you are under 18, services must be engaged by a parent or legal guardian on your behalf.

3. Scope of Services

Services Provided

We provide legal services in the following areas of family law:

• Divorce and separation proceedings
• Child custody and access arrangements
• Financial settlements and asset division
• Related family law matters

Limitations

The specific scope of services will be defined in your individual engagement letter. We do not provide services outside our area of expertise in family law unless expressly agreed in writing.

Services are available to matters governed by Hong Kong law. We do not provide advice on foreign legal systems unless specifically qualified and agreed.

4. Engagement and Retainer

Engagement Process

Our formal engagement begins when you sign an engagement letter and pay any required retainer. Until then, we have no obligation to provide legal services or protect your interests, even if you have consulted with us.

Conflict of Interest

Before accepting your matter, we conduct conflict checks to ensure we can represent you ethically. We cannot represent you if doing so would create a conflict of interest with our existing or former clients.

Right to Decline

We reserve the right to decline representation for any lawful reason, including conflicts of interest, lack of expertise in the specific matter, or capacity constraints.

5. Fees and Payment

Fee Structure

Our fees are determined based on:

• Time spent on your matter at our applicable hourly rates
• Complexity and urgency of the work
• Value of the matter
• Results achieved

Specific fee arrangements will be outlined in your engagement letter and may include hourly rates, fixed fees for certain services, or other agreed arrangements.

Disbursements

In addition to legal fees, you are responsible for disbursements, which are expenses incurred on your behalf such as court filing fees, process server costs, expert witness fees, and travel expenses.

Billing and Payment Terms

• We typically bill monthly and provide itemized statements
• Payment is due within 14 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed
• We may require a retainer to be replenished as work progresses
• Late payments may incur interest charges as permitted by law
• We accept payment by bank transfer, check, or credit card

Fee Disputes

If you have concerns about our fees, please contact us promptly. We are committed to resolving billing issues fairly and transparently.

6. Client Responsibilities

As our client, you agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information relevant to your matter
• Respond promptly to our requests for information or documents
• Keep us informed of changes in your circumstances or contact information
• Follow our advice or inform us if you choose not to do so
• Treat our staff with respect and professionalism
• Pay fees and disbursements as agreed
• Make your own decisions on settlement offers and case strategy after receiving our advice

7. Confidentiality and Privilege

Solicitor-Client Privilege

Communications between you and our solicitors are protected by solicitor-client privilege. This means we cannot disclose your confidential information without your consent, except where legally required.

Professional Confidentiality

We are bound by professional rules of confidentiality and will maintain the confidentiality of your information even after our engagement ends.

Exceptions

Confidentiality does not apply when:

• You authorize disclosure
• Disclosure is required by law or court order
• Necessary to defend ourselves against allegations of professional misconduct
• Required to prevent serious harm

8. Communication

We communicate with clients primarily via email, phone, and in-person meetings. We aim to respond to communications within two business days, though response times may vary based on urgency and workload.

While we make reasonable efforts to maintain secure communications, we cannot guarantee the security of email or other electronic communications. You acknowledge the risks inherent in electronic communication.

If you require urgent assistance outside business hours, please indicate this clearly in your communication. Emergency contact numbers are provided in your engagement letter.

9. Limitation of Liability

Professional Indemnity

We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by the Law Society of Hong Kong. Our liability for professional negligence is limited as permitted by law and professional regulations.

No Guarantees

Legal proceedings involve uncertainty, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Any opinions or predictions we provide are professional assessments based on available information and are not promises of results.

Third Parties

We are not liable for the actions or omissions of third parties, including opposing parties, courts, or other professionals involved in your matter.

10. Termination

Your Right to Terminate

You may terminate our engagement at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees and disbursements incurred up to the termination date.

Our Right to Terminate

We may withdraw from representation if:

• You fail to pay fees as agreed
• You fail to provide necessary information or cooperation
• A conflict of interest arises
• You ask us to act in a way that would violate professional rules
• The professional relationship breaks down irreparably

We will provide reasonable notice and take steps to minimize prejudice to your interests when withdrawing.

File Retention

Upon termination, we will return your original documents but retain our file in accordance with Law Society requirements.

11. Intellectual Property

All legal work product, strategies, and documents we create for you remain our intellectual property, though you have the right to use them for your legal matter.

Website content, including text, graphics, and logos, are owned by ambewod and protected by copyright. You may not reproduce or distribute our content without permission.

12. Website Use

Information Accuracy

We strive to keep website information current and accurate but make no warranties about completeness or accuracy. Legal information on our website is general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice for your specific situation.

Website Availability

We do not guarantee uninterrupted access to our website. We may suspend or modify the website without notice for maintenance or other reasons.

Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use our website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Introduce viruses or malicious code
• Interfere with website operation or security

13. Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from our services or these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Hong Kong courts.

Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with our services, please contact us first to resolve the matter. If we cannot resolve your concern, you may contact the Law Society of Hong Kong's complaint mechanism.

14. General Provisions

Entire Agreement

Your engagement letter and these Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between us regarding our services.

Severability

If any provision of these terms is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

Assignment

You may not transfer your rights or obligations under these terms without our written consent.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

For existing clients, material changes will be communicated directly and will not affect your current engagement unless mutually agreed.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us: