Terms & Conditions | Hua Counsel

1. Definitions

In these terms and conditions:

"The Firm", "we", "us" refers to Hua Counsel, a law practice registered in Singapore.
"Website" refers to the website accessible at huacouns and all pages therein.
"You", "User" refers to any person accessing the Website or engaging the Firm's services.
"Services" refers to legal consultations, representation, and mediation assistance provided by the Firm.
"Retainer" refers to a written agreement between the Firm and a client setting out the scope and terms of legal services to be provided.
"Agreement" refers collectively to these terms and conditions and any retainer or engagement letter entered into.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this Website or using any of the Firm's services, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use the Website or engage the Firm's services.

You must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement to use the Firm's services. By submitting a contact form or engaging the Firm, you represent that you meet these requirements.

3. Description of Services

Hua Counsel provides legal services in Singapore in the area of family law, including:

Initial consultations (Lattice Sitting) at which a written position summary is provided
Representation in divorce, custody, and ancillary relief proceedings (Steady Course in Family Proceedings)
Adviser attendance and support in custody and maintenance mediation (Quiet Mediation)

All services are provided in Singapore by practitioners holding valid practising certificates issued under the Legal Profession Act (Cap. 161). Services are subject to the availability of the Firm's practitioners and may be geographically restricted.

4. Website Use

Permitted use

You may use this Website for lawful purposes only. You may not use it in any way that is unlawful, deceptive, or harmful to the Firm or any third party.

No legal advice on website

Content on this Website is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything on this Website without first obtaining advice from a qualified legal practitioner in relation to your specific circumstances.

Intellectual property

All text, graphics, and other content on this Website are the property of Hua Counsel unless otherwise stated. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any content on this Website without prior written consent.

5. Engagement of Services

Retainer required

A solicitor-client relationship is only formed when a written retainer or engagement letter has been executed by both parties. Submitting a contact form or attending a consultation does not of itself constitute the formation of a retainer.

Fees and payment

The Lattice Sitting is charged at SGD 170, payable in advance of or at the sitting
Representation services start at SGD 455; the full fee structure applicable to your matter will be set out in the retainer
Mediation advisory services are charged at SGD 320; scope-specific fees will be confirmed in the retainer
Accepted payment methods include bank transfer, PayNow, and GIRO where agreed
Fees may not be adjusted once a retainer is signed, except by written variation agreed by both parties

Cancellation

Where a sitting has been booked and the client wishes to cancel, at least 48 hours' notice must be given. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice may be charged at 50% of the sitting fee. This policy does not apply where cancellation results from circumstances outside the client's control.

6. User Responsibilities

You must provide accurate and complete information when making enquiries or engaging services
You must not provide information that is false, misleading, or intended to obstruct the Firm's ability to advise you accurately
Where a retainer is in place, you must respond to the Firm's communications within a reasonable time to enable the conduct of your matter
You must not contact the Firm's practitioners through personal channels outside those established for your matter

7. Professional Obligations

The Firm's practitioners are bound by the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules 2015 and the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Singapore. These obligations take precedence in all matters. Where any provision of these terms conflicts with those rules, the professional rules prevail.

The Firm may be required to decline or terminate a retainer where doing so is necessary to comply with its professional obligations, including in cases of conflict of interest. Where a retainer is terminated for this reason, any fees paid in advance for work not yet performed will be refunded.

8. Disclaimers

Legal outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty. Nothing on this Website or in any consultation constitutes a representation that a particular result will be achieved. The Firm will provide its honest assessment of the likely range of outcomes based on the information available, but this assessment is not binding.

This Website is provided on an "as is" basis. While we take reasonable steps to keep it accurate and up to date, we make no representation as to the completeness or currency of its content.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Singapore law, the Firm's liability arising from any engagement of services is limited to the fees paid by you in connection with the specific matter giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental losses.

Nothing in these terms excludes liability for fraud, personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

10. Termination

Either party may terminate a retainer on reasonable written notice. Where you terminate, fees for work already performed will be due. Where the Firm terminates for reasons attributable to its professional obligations, fees for work not yet performed will be refunded.

The Firm reserves the right to refuse or decline to continue an engagement where it forms the view that the conduct of the matter would require it to act contrary to its professional obligations.

11. Dispute Resolution

These terms are governed by the laws of Singapore. In the event of a dispute arising from the Firm's services, the parties agree to first attempt resolution through direct negotiation. If unresolved, either party may refer the matter to the Law Society of Singapore's fee dispute resolution process or commence proceedings in the courts of Singapore.

12. General

Entire agreement: These terms, together with any retainer, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Firm.
Severability: If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.
Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of the right to do so in future.
Assignment: You may not assign any rights or obligations under a retainer without the Firm's written consent.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Changes will be published on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Where changes are material, we will provide reasonable notice. Continued use of the Website or services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

14. Contact

For questions regarding these terms:
Hua Counsel
60 Anson Road, #11-22 Mapletree Anson, Singapore 079914
Email: legal@huacouns