Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy has been prepared pursuant to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PIPEDA is a detailed statute, and while this document reflects our commitments, there are certain rare exceptions to the privacy rights and obligations described here that are too complex to list in full.
At Green Bridge Family Law, safeguarding personal information has always been central to our practice. We are committed to gathering, using, and sharing personal information only in a careful and responsible way, and strictly to the extent required to deliver legal services. We also strive to remain transparent with clients, colleagues, and the public about how such information is managed. The following outlines our privacy protocols.
Defining Personal Information
“Personal information” refers to any data about an identifiable individual. This includes details connected to a person’s attributes, health, personal history, activities, or opinions. Information that is business-related, such as a company address or a professional telephone number, is not treated as personal information under privacy laws.
Collection of Personal Information
Our principal reason for collecting, using, or disclosing personal information is to provide legal services to our clients. To do this effectively, we collect information relating to clients, witnesses, opposing parties, and others connected to a matter. In addition to this primary purpose, we sometimes collect and use personal information for related or secondary reasons, which are described in more detail in our Privacy Schedule.
Safeguarding Personal Information
The solicitor–client relationship is grounded in trust and confidentiality. For that reason, the protection of personal information is paramount in our practice. We follow the professional standards established by the Law Society of Ontario, which require law firms to take rigorous steps to safeguard client information. Our policies and practices in this area are further described in the Privacy Schedule.
Retention and Secure Destruction
We retain client information for as long as reasonably necessary to answer future questions about services provided and to meet our professional accountability obligations. Once retention is no longer justified, we dispose of information securely. Paper records are shredded; electronic data is permanently deleted. In some instances, we return a client’s file directly to them once their matter concludes.
Website Data Practices
Green Bridge Family Law also collects limited information through our website. This includes the use of cookies and third-party analytics, in particular Google Analytics and remarketing tools.
- We may use Google Analytics remarketing to advertise online.
- Third-party vendors, including Google, can display our ads on other websites across the Internet.
- Our firm and these vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) together to inform, optimize, and present ads based on past visits to our site.
- These same cookies may be used to generate reports showing how ad impressions, ad service interactions, and user behavior connect to visits to our website.
- Demographic and interest data from Google (e.g., age, gender, or interests) may also be used to improve how our website functions and how ads are targeted.
Visitors can opt out of Google Analytics for Display Advertising or adjust their preferences through Google’s Ad Settings. They may also disable the sharing of data with Google Analytics altogether by using the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On.
Requests for Access to Information
As required under privacy law, individuals may request access to their personal information held by our firm. Reasonable fees may apply. Please note that solicitor–client privilege may limit what information can be shared. To submit a request, contact our Information Officer, who will provide guidance on the process.
Contact Information
c/o Information Officer
Green Bridge Family Law
92 Caplan Avenue
Barrie, ON
L4N 0Z7
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada also oversees compliance with PIPEDA in the private sector and can act as an ombudsman for privacy disputes.
Collection, Use, and Disclosure – Primary Purposes
About Clients
- To deliver legal advice and representation
- To prepare legal opinions
- To maintain communication with clients
About the General Public
- To collect and review information relevant to legal matters
- To notify individuals of special events (e.g., seminars or conferences)
- To provide information about our services
- Through our website: we only collect information voluntarily provided by visitors, aside from cookies. Cookies assist with navigation but are not used to monitor individuals.
We will remove personal information from distribution lists upon request. We never sell lists or client data to third-party marketers.
Collection, Use, and Disclosure – Secondary Purposes
Like most organizations, we also collect information for purposes connected to, but not limited to, our main services:
- Billing, payment processing, and collection of accounts
- Informing clients about legal updates, firm news, and upcoming events
- Quality assurance, such as performance reviews of staff and partners
- Assisting external auditors or consultants with reviews
- Compliance with inspections by the Law Society of Ontario
- Reporting serious misconduct, incapacity, or illegal behavior of practitioners when appropriate, even where personal details must be disclosed (subject to privilege)
- Complying with government agencies authorized to review files or interview staff (subject to solicitor–client privilege)
- Maintaining records for long-term or repeat clients across different legal matters
- Ensuring compliance with record-keeping requirements of the Law Society
- Facilitating due diligence in the event of a sale of the firm or its assets (subject to strict confidentiality agreements)
- Allowing trusted third-party service providers (IT consultants, bookkeepers, accountants) limited access as needed, subject to confidentiality agreements and privacy safeguards
How We Safeguard Information
- Paper records are stored securely or kept under staff supervision
- Electronic data is protected by passwords and secured hardware in restricted areas
- When transmitting information outside the office (by email, fax, phone, or courier), we use reputable service providers
- Staff receive training to handle information strictly in line with our Privacy Policy
- External consultants and contractors must sign confidentiality and privacy agreements before handling data
Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information
With limited exceptions, you have the right to access personal information that we hold about you. We will help you identify the records, explain their meaning if necessary, and verify your identity before providing access. We may charge a small fee to cover administrative costs.
If a request cannot be fulfilled, we will explain why within 30 days, where possible. Much of the information we hold for clients is subject to solicitor–client privilege, and we cannot release it without client consent.
If you believe information is incorrect, you may request a correction. For factual errors, we will require supporting evidence. Where an error is confirmed, we will correct our records and notify anyone to whom the inaccurate information was sent. If we do not agree with your claim, we will note your statement in the file and circulate it to prior recipients of the information.