Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• "Service" refers to the professional services provided by Whitestone Legal, including corporate restructuring advisory, franchise agreement review, and business name registration support.
• "Website" means the Whitestone Legal website accessible at whitestona.info.
• "We," "Us," "Our" refers to Whitestone Legal.
• "You," "Your," "Client" refers to the individual or entity engaging our services or using our website.
• "Agreement" means these Terms and Conditions together with any engagement letter or service agreement.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any provision, you should not use our website or services.

These terms constitute a binding agreement between you and Whitestone Legal. You represent that you are at least eighteen years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement. If engaging services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these terms.

3. Service Description

Whitestone Legal provides specialized professional services in the following areas:

3.1 Corporate Restructuring Advisory

We provide guidance on organizational structural changes, including analysis, option evaluation, and documentation preparation. Services are tailored to specific circumstances and may vary in scope and duration.

3.2 Franchise Agreement Review

We examine franchise documentation, identify key provisions, and provide commentary to assist in understanding franchise arrangements. This service is advisory in nature and does not constitute negotiation on your behalf unless separately agreed.

3.3 Business Name Registration Support

We assist with name availability checking, application preparation, and filing coordination for business name registration in Singapore.

Service availability and scope may change without prior notice. We reserve the right to decline engagements that fall outside our areas of focus or present conflicts of interest.

4. Engagement Process

4.1 Initial Consultation

Services begin with an initial consultation to understand your needs and determine appropriate scope. This consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship until formalized through engagement documentation.

4.2 Engagement Confirmation

Following initial consultation, we will provide an engagement letter or service agreement outlining scope, fees, timeline, and specific terms. Services commence upon your acceptance of the engagement terms and receipt of any required initial payment.

4.3 Client Responsibilities

You agree to provide complete and accurate information necessary for service delivery, respond promptly to requests for information or clarification, and review deliverables within reasonable timeframes. Delays in providing information may affect timeline and scope.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Service Fees

Fees are specified in the engagement letter or service agreement. Published pricing on our website represents starting points; actual fees may vary based on complexity and scope. All fees are stated in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise specified.

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment terms are outlined in the engagement letter. Typically, an initial payment is required before service commencement, with remaining balance due upon completion. Payment methods include bank transfer and other approved methods as specified in invoices.

5.3 Late Payment

Overdue amounts may incur interest charges at the rate permitted by Singapore law. We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts with outstanding balances exceeding thirty days.

5.4 Expenses

Filing fees, registration costs, and other direct expenses incurred on your behalf will be charged separately unless included in the quoted fee. We will seek approval before incurring significant expenses.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by Whitestone Legal or our licensors and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

6.2 License to Use Materials

Documents and materials prepared specifically for your engagement are provided for your use in connection with the matters for which they were prepared. You may not transfer, sell, or otherwise distribute these materials to third parties without our consent.

6.3 Your Content

You retain ownership of information and materials you provide to us. By providing such content, you grant us a license to use it solely for purposes of delivering services to you.

7. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information and matters. Information disclosed during engagements will not be shared with third parties except as necessary for service delivery, required by law, or authorized by you.

You agree to maintain confidentiality of any proprietary information about our methods, systems, or business practices disclosed during the engagement.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Service Basis

Our services are provided on an "as is" basis. While we exercise reasonable care and skill, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding specific outcomes or results. Professional services inherently involve judgment and analysis which may be subject to interpretation.

8.2 Liability Cap

To the maximum extent permitted by Singapore law, our total liability arising from or related to any engagement shall not exceed the fees paid for that specific engagement. This limitation applies regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise.

8.3 Excluded Damages

We shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including lost profits or business opportunities, even if advised of their possibility.

8.4 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, technical failures, or other force majeure events.

9. Professional Standards

We adhere to professional conduct standards applicable to our practice. Our services are subject to professional obligations including independence, objectivity, and ethical conduct. If conflicts arise between client instructions and professional obligations, we will discuss the matter with you and may decline to proceed if the conflict cannot be resolved.

10. Termination

10.1 By Client

You may terminate an engagement at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees incurred through the termination date and any reasonable costs associated with orderly transition of matters.

10.2 By Whitestone Legal

We may terminate an engagement if you fail to fulfill obligations under the agreement, if conflicts of interest arise, if circumstances make it unreasonable to continue, or for other good cause. We will provide reasonable notice where circumstances permit.

10.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide completed work and client materials within reasonable timeframe. Provisions regarding confidentiality, payment obligations, and limitation of liability survive termination.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Singapore. Any disputes arising from or related to our services or these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Singapore courts.

11.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, parties agree to attempt informal resolution through direct discussion. If informal resolution fails, either party may proceed with formal dispute resolution mechanisms.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any engagement letter or service agreement, constitute the entire agreement between parties regarding the subject matter and supersede all prior discussions, negotiations, and agreements.

12.2 Amendments

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Changes become effective upon posting to our website. Material changes will be communicated to active clients. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

12.3 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect. Invalid provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make them valid and enforceable.

12.4 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver of that provision or any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.

12.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations with reasonable notice to you.

12.6 Notice

Notices required under these terms shall be in writing and delivered by email to the addresses specified in the engagement letter or, for general inquiries, to [email protected].