Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 20, 2025

Thank you for visiting the website of Guardia Montes Abogados (“we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information, in accordance with Costa Rican law, including the Law on the Protection of the Person Against the Processing of Personal Data (Law No. 8968) and its regulations.

  1. Scope of this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to the personal data we collect through:

  • Our website, www.guardiamontes.com
  • Any online or offline services where we expressly refer to this Privacy Policy.

By using our website or services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any provision in this document, please do not use our website or services.

  1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:

  1. Contact Information
    • Name, email address, phone number, postal address.
  2. Professional or Legal Inquiry Details
    • Information you provide when you contact us about legal services or request a consultation (e.g., the nature of your inquiry, relevant documents).
  3. Technical Information
    • IP addresses, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited on our site, and timestamps.
  4. Cookies and Similar Technologies
    • Information collected through cookies or similar technologies to provide a better user experience.

We only collect personal information that is adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is processed.

  1. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • To Provide Legal Services: Responding to your inquiries, providing legal advice, and carrying out legal work on your behalf.
  • Client Relationship Management: Communicating with you regarding any legal matters, updates, and client satisfaction.
  • Website Functionality: Ensuring our website functions properly, improving user experience, and diagnosing technical issues.
  • Marketing and Newsletters: Sending information about our services, legal updates, or newsletters (if you have opted in to receive such communications).
  • Compliance with Legal Obligations: Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and court orders.

We will not use your personal data for purposes incompatible with those listed above unless we obtain your express consent or have another legal basis in accordance with Costa Rican law.

  1. Legal Basis for Processing

In Costa Rica, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases to process your personal data:

  • Consent: Where you have given clear consent for us to process your data for a specific purpose (e.g., newsletter signup).
  • Contractual Necessity: Where the processing is necessary to provide legal services or perform a contract with you.
  • Legal Obligation: Where the processing is necessary for compliance with our legal obligations.
  • Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests in operating and improving our business, provided such interests do not override your data protection rights.
  1. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

  • Authorized Personnel: Attorneys, employees, and contractors who require access for the provision of our services or administration of the website.
  • Service Providers: Third-party service providers (e.g., IT services, data hosting, email platforms) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality.
  • Authorities and Courts: When required to comply with legal obligations or court orders, or to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or other business transaction involving our firm, provided that the receiving party agrees to observe the terms of this Privacy Policy.

We will never sell your personal data to any third parties.

  1. International Data Transfers

When necessary, we may transfer your personal information to recipients located in countries outside of Costa Rica. In such cases, we will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information, consistent with the standards set out by Costa Rican data protection laws and any other relevant regulations.

  1. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, to provide our legal services, and to comply with legal or regulatory requirements. Once personal data is no longer needed, we will securely destroy it or anonymize it in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

  1. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience and to analyze website traffic. A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit our website. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings, but disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

The types of cookies we use include:

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our website, enabling us to improve the website’s performance.
  • Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences to enhance user experience.
  1. Your Rights

In accordance with Costa Rican law, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request confirmation about whether we process your personal data and obtain a copy of it.
  • Rectification: Request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete data we hold about you.
  • Cancellation: Request the deletion of your personal data when it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or when otherwise required by law.
  • Opposition: Object to the processing of your personal data under certain circumstances.
  • Revocation of Consent: Where processing is based on your consent, withdraw such consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before your withdrawal.

To exercise these rights or inquire further, please see the Contact Us section below.

  1. Security Measures

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Despite our efforts, no transmission of data over the internet or electronic storage system is fully secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

  1. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or other factors. Any updates will be posted on our website with a new “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information.

  1. Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data protection practices, please contact us at:

GUARDIA MONTES Abogados

Costa Rica – San José

Rhormoser, Nunciatura

EDIFICIO ELYSIAN

gm@guardiamontes.com

We will do our best to address your concerns in a timely and satisfactory manner.

Disclaimer: This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with an attorney to ensure your Privacy Policy reflects current legal requirements, especially if your business activities change or applicable laws are updated.