Privacy Policy

We respect your privacy. This policy explains how FME Legal handles personal information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). It’s general information, not legal advice.

Who we are

FME Legal is a South Australian law firm providing Family Law, Motor Vehicle claims and Wills & Estates services. In this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” mean FME Legal.

Scope

This policy covers personal information we collect about clients, prospective clients, website visitors, job applicants and other third parties. Separate client engagement terms may also apply.

What personal information we collect

• Identity & contact: name, date of birth, address, email, phone.
• Matter information: facts, instructions, documents and evidence relevant to your legal issue (which may include sensitive information).
• Financial: billing details, payment records, insurance policy information.
• Usage & analytics: basic website and device data (e.g. pages viewed, approximate location, browser type) collected via cookies and similar technologies.
• Recruitment: CVs, references and background information.

Sensitive information (including health information, racial/ethnic origin, or criminal history) is only collected with consent or where permitted by law, and is handled with extra care. Client communications may be protected by legal professional privilege.

How we collect personal information

• Directly from you (in person, by phone/video, email, forms on our website).
• From third parties with authority or where lawful (insurers, medical providers, referrers, government agencies, other parties to a matter).
• Automatically when you use our website (cookies/analytics).

Why we collect and use personal information

• To provide legal advice and representation, manage matters and maintain our professional obligations.
• To verify identity, manage conflicts, billing and trust accounting.
• To communicate with you, respond to enquiries and manage appointments.
• To improve our website, services and client experience.
• For recruitment and HR if you apply for a role with us.
• For marketing (e.g., updates, insights) where permitted—unsubscribe any time.

Marketing communications

We may send legal insights and updates. You can opt out via the message you receive or by contacting us.

Cookies & analytics

Our site uses cookies and similar technologies to deliver core functionality and aggregated analytics. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, noting some features may not work as intended. Want to change your preferences now? Manage cookies.

Disclosure to third parties

We may disclose personal information to:

• Service providers (IT, email, data hosting, practice management, document processing, couriers) under confidentiality obligations.
• Experts, barristers, medical providers, insurers and other parties involved in a matter (as reasonably necessary).
• Court and tribunal registries, regulators, government agencies where required.
• Other third parties where you consent or where the law permits or requires.

Overseas disclosure

Some providers store or process data in Australia and/or other countries. Where practicable, we select reputable providers and take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards. Contact us if you’d like to know where a particular service stores data.

Security

We use a mix of technical and organisational measures to protect personal information (access controls, encryption in transit where applicable, least-privilege access, staff training). No system is perfectly secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Retention & destruction

We keep personal information for as long as needed for legal services, our business purposes, and to meet legal and professional obligations (including file retention rules). We securely destroy or de-identify information when it’s no longer required.

Access & correction

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct it if it’s inaccurate, out of date or incomplete. We may need to verify your identity, and in some cases we may lawfully refuse access (for example, where disclosure would breach privilege or legal obligations). We’ll explain any refusal.

Complaints

If you’re concerned about how we’ve handled your personal information, contact us and we’ll respond promptly:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +61 8 0000 0000

If you’re not satisfied, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints.

Third-party sites

Our site may link to third-party websites. We’re not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

Updates to this policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes to laws, technology or our practices. The latest version is published on this page.

Last updated: 17 August 2025