Privacy Policy – Michaels and Company – Budleigh Salterton

Michaels & Company
Address: 1 Raleigh House, 2b Boucher Road, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6HG
Effective Date: 30/11/2024

This privacy policy explains how Michaels & Company collects, uses, and protects personal information in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

1. What Information Do We Collect About You?

We collect personal information about you when you engage us for legal services. This information includes:

  • Personal and Financial Data: Your name, contact details, financial information, and other relevant details for legal services.
  • Special Category Data: Information about your health or other sensitive details, where necessary for providing services.
  • Feedback and Surveys: Information provided when completing surveys or giving feedback.

2. Information About Connected Individuals

In some cases, we may need personal information about your close family members or dependants to deliver our services effectively. You must ensure you have their consent before providing their details to us.

3. Why Do We Collect Your Personal Data?

We collect and process your data to:

  • Perform our contract with you, including drafting legal documents or providing advice.
  • Fulfil our legal obligations, such as compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
  • Where necessary, process special category data with your explicit consent.

4. How Will We Use Your Information?

We use your personal information to:

  • Provide legal advice and draft necessary documents.
  • Communicate with you about our services.
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Improve our services through client feedback and surveys.

5. Who Might We Share Your Information With?

We may share your information with trusted third parties, such as:

  • Professional advisors (e.g., accountants, compliance consultants, or legal professionals).
  • Identity verification services to comply with anti-money laundering laws.
  • IT service providers to ensure secure data management.

All third parties handling your data are required to comply with GDPR and use appropriate security measures.

6. International Data Transfers

If your data needs to be transferred outside the UK or EEA, we will ensure it is protected with appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent measures.

7. How Long Do We Keep Your Information?

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil our contract with you. Typically, client records are retained for seven years after the end of our professional relationship, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
You have the right to request deletion of your personal data unless we are required to retain it for legal reasons or our legitimate interests.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • The right to be informed about how we process your data.
  • The right of access to the information we hold about you.
  • The right to rectification of incorrect or incomplete data.
  • The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”), subject to legal obligations.
  • The right to restrict processing under certain conditions.
  • The right to data portability for transferring data to another provider.
  • The right to object to processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Rights related to automated decision-making and profiling.

You may exercise these rights by contacting us (details below).

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to improve your website experience and compile statistical reports on activity. For more information about cookies and how to disable them, visit All About Cookies.
We use a cookie consent tool on our website to seek your explicit consent for non-essential cookies.

10. Marketing

We may contact you about changes in legislation that could affect your legal arrangements. With your consent, we may also email you about other services that may interest you.
You can opt out of marketing at any time by contacting us at info@michaelsandcompany.com.
We will never share your information for marketing purposes with third parties.

11. What Can You Do If You’re Unhappy With Our Data Handling?

If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please contact us directly. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK’s supervisory authority:

  • Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
    Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
    www.ico.org.uk

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We regularly review this privacy policy and will notify you of significant updates.

13. How to Contact Us

For questions about this privacy policy or your personal data, please contact:

This privacy policy is effective as of 30/11/2024.