Privacy Policy
Effective from the date of publication
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Who we are
This policy applies to Independent Legal Advice, a service operated by LW Williams and Associates (“we”, “us”, “our”). We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and, as a legal practice, by our professional obligations of confidentiality.
It explains how we handle the personal information of people who visit our website, make a booking, or receive independent legal advice from us.
The information we collect
The personal information we collect depends on how you interact with us. It may include:
- your name, contact details, and the state or territory you are in;
- identity verification information, including a copy of your photo identification;
- information contained in the loan, mortgage and guarantee documents you provide;
- details of the transaction, the lender and any broker involved;
- records of your appointment and the advice given; and
- information needed to process your payment.
Some of this is sensitive information under the Privacy Act. We collect it only where it is reasonably necessary to provide the advice, and generally with your consent.
How we collect it
We collect personal information directly from you — through our website forms, the booking process, the identity check, and your appointment. In some cases we may receive information from a third party you have authorised, such as your broker or lender, when they send us your loan documents on your behalf.
Why we collect it
We collect, hold and use your personal information to:
- verify your identity;
- provide independent legal advice and issue your certificate;
- communicate with you about your appointment;
- process payment for our services;
- meet our legal, professional and record-keeping obligations; and
- improve our website and services.
We will not use your information for an unrelated purpose without your consent, unless required or permitted by law.
When we disclose it
We treat your information as confidential. We may disclose it:
- to your lender, broker or other party at your direction — for example, to send your completed certificate;
- to service providers who help us operate our booking, video-conferencing, document storage and payment systems, under confidentiality obligations; and
- where required or authorised by law, or by a court or regulator.
We do not sell your personal information.
Overseas disclosure
Some of the service providers we use to operate our website and deliver our services may store information on servers located outside Australia. Where that occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled in a way consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Storage and security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss and unauthorised access, including access controls, secure storage and the confidential handling of your documents. We keep records for as long as necessary to provide our services and to meet our legal and professional obligations, after which we securely destroy or de-identify them.
Accessing and correcting your information
You can ask for access to the personal information we hold about you, and ask us to correct it if it is inaccurate. Contact us using the details below and we will respond within a reasonable period. In limited circumstances we may decline access, in which case we will explain why in writing.
Cookies and the website
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to help it function and to understand how visitors use it. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect how the site works.
Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, please contact us first using the details below. We will acknowledge your complaint and aim to resolve it within a reasonable time.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The current version is always available on this page.
Contact us
For any privacy question or request:
- Email: service@independentlegalcertificate.com.au
- Phone: 0422 889 579
- Office: Kellyville, NSW