TERMS & CONDITIONS, DISCLAIMERS, DISCLOSURES, AND PRIVACY POLICY

1. Terms & Conditions of Website Use

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, you must stop use of the website.

1.2 Informational Purposes Only

All materials on this website are provided for general informational purposes. Nothing on this site forms legal advice. Legal outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law, and you should consult an attorney before acting on any information.

1.3 No Attorney–Client Relationship

Your use of this website does not create an attorney–client relationship. This includes submitting information through any contact form or email link. A relationship is formed only after the Firm and the prospective client execute a written engagement agreement.

1.4 No Guarantees or Predictions of Results

Consistent with Virginia Rule 7.1, this website does not contain—and should not be interpreted as containing—any guarantee, warranty, or prediction of results. If past results or testimonials are referenced, they are provided solely for informational purposes. They do not predict or guarantee future outcomes.

1.5 Permitted and Prohibited Uses

You are permitted to use this website only for lawful purposes. You must not interfere with its operation, introduce malicious code, or show false or misleading information.

2. Disclaimers and Required Disclosures

2.1 General Legal Disclaimer

Information on this website does not show the most current legal developments. Laws change often, and the applicability of legal principles varies by circumstance. You should not rely on any information on this site without obtaining legal advice tailored to your situation.

2.2 Confidentiality Disclaimer

Communications submitted through this website are not confidential unless and until an attorney–client relationship is formally established. Do not send sensitive or time‑sensitive information through this site.

2.3 Advertising Disclosure

This website is considered attorney advertising under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. All statements are intended to be truthful, correct, and not misleading. Testimonials or references to past results, if available, are accompanied by the required disclaimer. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

2.4 Jurisdictional Limitations

The attorney is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Firm does not seek to represent clients in jurisdictions where the attorney is not licensed. The Firm does not aim to represent clients where this website does not follow applicable laws or ethical rules.

2.5 No Claims of Specialization

In compliance with Rule 7.4, the Firm does not claim to be a “specialist” in any area of law. It also does not claim to be an “expert” unless that designation is permitted by the Virginia State Bar. Descriptions like “experienced” or “knowledgeable” are used according to Virginia’s preferred terminology.

3. Practice‑Area‑Specific Disclaimers Required in Virginia

3.1 Uncontested Divorce Advertising Disclaimer

If this website references uncontested divorce services, the next applies:

• An uncontested divorce requires that both spouses agree on all issues, including property division, support, and custody.
• Court filing fees and third‑party costs are not included in any quoted flat fee unless expressly stated.
• Extra services—like negotiation, contested hearings, or drafting of complex agreements—result in extra fees.
• The availability of a flat‑fee uncontested divorce depends on the facts of the case and the cooperation of both parties.

This disclaimer is needed to avoid misleading impressions about cost, scope, or eligibility.

3.2 Criminal Defense Advertising Disclaimer

If this website references criminal defense services, the next applies:

• No attorney can guarantee or predict the outcome of a criminal matter.
• Case results depend on the specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and procedural posture of each case.
• Statements about prior results, dismissals, or reductions are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee similar outcomes.
• Every criminal charge carries potential consequences. You should consult an attorney to understand the risks and options in your specific case.

This language aligns with Virginia’s prohibition on unjustified expectations and misleading comparisons.

3.3 Fee Disclosure Requirements (Including Contingency‑Fee Disclaimers)

If this website references fees, the next applies: $0.00

3.3.1 General Fee Disclosures

• All fees are dependent on a written engagement agreement.
• Quoted fees do not include court costs, filing fees, service fees, expert‑witness fees, or other third‑party expenses unless expressly stated.
• Flat fees apply only to the scope of work defined in the engagement agreement.

3.3.2 Contingency‑Fee Disclaimer

If contingency fees are referenced (e.g., personal injury matters):

• Contingency fees are not permitted in certain types of cases, including criminal and most family‑law matters.
• A contingency fee means the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the recovery. This fee is owed only if money is recovered.
• Clients are still responsible for costs and expenses, even if no recovery is obtained, depending on the engagement agreement.

This aligns with Virginia’s requirements for transparency in fee arrangements and cost liability.

3.4 Estate Planning Disclaimer

If this website references wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, probate, or other estate‑planning services:

• Estate planning is highly fact‑specific. The suitability of any document or strategy depends on an individual’s personal, financial, and family circumstances.
• Information on this website is not legal advice. Do not rely on it as a substitute for a personalized consultation.
• Drafting or reviewing estate‑planning documents requires a full understanding of your goals, assets, beneficiaries, and potential tax implications.
• The Firm does not offer tax advice. Clients should consult a qualified tax professional about federal or state tax consequences linked to estate‑planning decisions.
• The availability and effectiveness of certain estate‑planning tools depend on the specific facts of each case. Coordination with financial institutions or third parties is required.
• Probate outcomes and timelines vary by jurisdiction, court workload, and the complexity of the estate. No attorney can guarantee the speed or outcome of probate proceedings.
• Fees for estate‑planning services vary depending on the complexity of the documents and the scope of representation. Court costs, recording fees, and third‑party expenses are not included in quoted fees unless expressly stated.

4. Privacy Policy

4.1 Information Collected Directly From You

I collect your name, email address, telephone number, and any information you voluntarily give. This happens when you send a contact form or otherwise communicate through this website. This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry and evaluate whether I can help you.

4.2 Automatically Collected Information

This website automatically collects limited technical information. This includes IP location, browser type, device information, and pages visited. It does this to improve functionality, security, and performance.

4.3 Use of Information

Collected information is used for:

• responding to your inquiry
• scheduling consultations
• internal record‑keeping
• website administration and security

The Firm does not sell, rent, or reveal your information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4.4 Data Security

Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to protect your information. Yet, no method of electronic transmission or storage is entirely secure.

4.5 External Links

This website includes links to third‑party websites. The Firm is not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of those external sites.

5. Required Identification of Attorney and Firm

(Required under Virginia Rule 7.2)

Christopher James DeSimone J.D., LL.M., Attorney at Law

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia

email: christopher@desimone.lawyer

telephone|text: 703.731.6992

6. Required Disclaimer for Past Results and Testimonials

Past results do not predict or guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its own unique facts and circumstances.