Privacy Policy

Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Law Office of Aakash Sharma, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects information obtained through our website estateplanningservicesgroup.com and sharmalawct.com (collectively, the "Website").

As a Connecticut-licensed attorney, we are bound by the Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct, which impose strict duties regarding confidentiality and privilege. This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws while ensuring transparency about our data practices.

By using this Website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Website.

Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide Directly

When you interact with our Website, you may voluntarily provide personal information, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Estate Planning Information: Family structure, beneficiary details, asset information, health care wishes, guardianship preferences
• Elder Law Information: Age, health status, long-term care needs, Medicaid eligibility details, financial circumstances
• Consultation Requests: Preferred consultation times, nature of legal issue, urgency of matter
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed through secure third-party payment processors)

2. Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our Website:

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See "Cookies and Tracking Technologies" section below

3. Information from Third-Party Sources

We may receive information about you from:

• Calendly: Appointment scheduling information, contact details
• MyCase: Client portal usage, document uploads, communication logs (only after attorney-client relationship is established)
• Referral Sources: Information from professional referrals, financial advisors, or colleagues

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Legal Services & Client Representation

• Evaluate potential client matters and determine if we can assist you
• Provide legal consultation and advice on estate planning and elder law matters
• Prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents
• Administer estates and trusts
• Assist with Medicaid planning and applications
• Communicate with you about your case status and legal matters
• Maintain client files and case records as required by professional ethics rules

Website Operations & Improvement

• Respond to inquiries and consultation requests
• Send appointment confirmations and reminders
• Improve Website functionality and user experience
• Analyze Website traffic and usage patterns
• Prevent fraud, security breaches, and technical issues

Marketing & Communications (with your consent)

• Send newsletters about estate planning and elder law updates (opt-in only)
• Provide information about our services
• Notify you of changes to our policies or services

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Website. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for Website functionality, including security features
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Third-Party Cookies: Calendly for appointment scheduling, MyCase for client portal access

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect information about Website usage. Google Analytics uses cookies to track visitor interactions and generate reports about Website activity. The information collected by Google Analytics is transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on available at: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Website.

How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our practice:

• MyCase: Client portal and case management platform (only after attorney-client relationship established)
• WealthCounsel: Estate planning document drafting platform (attorney members only)
• Calendly: Appointment scheduling service
• Payment Processors: Secure credit card processing (we do not store complete credit card numbers)
• Email Service Providers: Manage client communications
• Cloud Storage Providers: Secure document storage with encryption

All service providers are contractually required to maintain confidentiality and use information only for specified purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or legal process:

• In response to valid subpoenas, court orders, or government requests
• To comply with Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct
• To protect our legal rights or defend against legal claims
• To prevent fraud, security threats, or illegal activity

With Your Consent

We may share information with third parties when you explicitly authorize us to do so, such as sharing documents with financial advisors, accountants, or family members on your behalf.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal and financial information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Security Measures Include:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Client Portal: Password-protected MyCase platform with bank-level security
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on need-to-know basis
• Regular Security Audits: Periodic review of security practices and vulnerabilities
• Secure Document Storage: Encrypted cloud storage for client files

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Retention Periods:

• Prospective Client Inquiries: Retained for 3 years or until you request deletion
• Client Files: Retained in accordance with Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct and applicable record retention requirements (typically 7+ years after case conclusion or client death)
• Financial Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Estate Planning Documents: Retained permanently to assist with future estate administration
• Website Analytics: Anonymized data retained indefinitely for analytical purposes

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to and correction of your personal information we maintain.

Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal and professional obligations to retain client files and records (particularly estate planning documents needed for future administration).

Opt-Out of Marketing

You can opt out of receiving marketing communications by clicking "unsubscribe" in any marketing email or contacting us directly.

Do Not Track

Our Website does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals from browsers.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this Privacy Policy.

Children's Privacy

Our Website is not directed to individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it promptly.

Third-Party Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites (such as Connecticut Probate Court, Department of Social Services, or legal research sites). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date.

Material changes will be communicated through a prominent notice on our Website or via email to active clients. Your continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.