FosterLegalDivision

Terms and Conditions

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Foster Legal Division (“the Firm”) and any individual or entity (“Client”) receiving legal, consulting, research, or document-related services. By engaging the Firm’s services, the Client agrees to be bound by all provisions below.

1. Scope of Services

Foster Legal Division provides:

Legal research
Contract drafting and review
Limited-scope legal services (unbundled services)
General legal guidance and document support
Advisory services related to compliance and policy development

Unless explicitly stated in a signed agreement, the Firm does not provide full representation, litigation services, courtroom appearances, or ongoing attorney-of-record responsibilities.

2. No Attorney-Client Relationship Without Written Agreement

An attorney-client relationship is only formed when the Client:

Signs a formal engagement agreement or contract, and
Pays any required retainer, deposit, or fee.

Consultations, discussions, quotations, or preliminary communications do not create an attorney-client relationship.

3. Payment Terms

Unless otherwise stated in a written contract:

All fees are due in advance of services.
Fees are earned upon receipt and non-refundable.
Services may be suspended for non-payment.
Invoices are payable immediately upon receipt.

The Firm reserves the right to charge reasonable administrative or late fees for overdue balances.

4. Refund Policy

The Firm maintains a strict no-refund policy, unless a refund provision is explicitly included in a signed contract.
No verbal promises or informal communications create refund rights.
See full Refund Policy for additional details.

5. Limited-Scope Services

When performing limited-scope or unbundled services:

The Firm’s responsibilities are restricted to the specific tasks stated in writing.
The Client remains responsible for all other aspects of their legal matter.
The Firm does not guarantee any outcome or result.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

Provide complete, accurate, and timely information.
Cooperate fully with the Firm.
Review all documents and communications promptly.
Notify the Firm of any changes in circumstances affecting services.

Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of services without refund.

7. Confidentiality

The Firm adheres to all applicable rules of professional conduct regarding confidentiality.
However:

Communications via email, text message, or unencrypted platforms may involve inherent risks.
The Client acknowledges these risks and consents to digital communication unless otherwise requested in writing.

8. Intellectual Property

All documents, research, drafts, and materials created by the Firm remain the property of Foster Legal Division unless otherwise specified.
The Client receives a license to use such materials only for the matter they were created for.

9. No Guarantee of Outcome

The Firm does not guarantee:

Outcomes,
Results,
Judicial findings,
Contract approvals,
Or the actions of third parties.

The Client understands that legal matters involve uncertainty and risk.

10. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate services by written notice.
If the Client terminates early:

No refund will be issued unless otherwise stated in a signed contract.

The Firm may terminate services for:

Non-payment,
Failure to cooperate,
Conflicts of interest,
Ethical obligations, or
Misrepresentation by the Client.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

The Firm’s liability is limited to the total amount paid by the Client for services.
The Firm is not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Oregon, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising under these Terms or related to services shall be resolved by:

Good-faith negotiation,
Mediation, and if unresolved,
Binding arbitration.

Litigation in court is expressly waived unless required by law.

14. Amendments

The Firm may update or modify these Terms from time to time.
Clients will be notified of substantial changes, and continued engagement constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

15. Acknowledgment

By engaging Foster Legal Division, the Client acknowledges that they:

Have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions,
Are at least 18 years of age or have legal capacity,
And voluntarily accept all provisions herein.

Return and Refund Policy

Foster Legal Division operates under a strict no-refund policy. Due to the nature of legal services— including but not limited to legal research, consultations, document drafting, contract preparation, and limited-scope advisory services — all fees paid to Foster Legal Division are considered earned upon receipt. These fees compensate the firm for time spent, professional expertise, resource allocation, and the reservation of availability.

Accordingly:

1. No Refunds Unless Explicitly Agreed in Writing

Refunds will not be issued unless a refund term is:

Clearly stated,
Explicitly written,
And signed by both parties within a formal service contract or engagement agreement.

Verbal agreements, informal statements, text messages, or emails do not constitute an enforceable refund obligation.

2. Earned-Upon-Receipt Fee Structure

Unless otherwise specified in a written agreement:

All retainers, deposits, and service fees are non-refundable.
Fees are earned when paid, regardless of the outcome of the matter or whether the client chooses to discontinue services.

3. Limited-Scope Representation

For limited-scope or unbundled legal services, clients understand that:

Once the service has been initiated (e.g., research begun, documents reviewed, drafts prepared, consultation provided), fees cannot be refunded.
Work product may be provided at the client’s request, subject to ethical restrictions and outstanding balances.

4. Cancellation of Services

If a client elects to stop services early:

No refund will be issued,
Unless a written contract explicitly states that unused portions of a retainer are refundable.

5. Failure to Provide Required Information

If the client fails to provide necessary documents, information, or cooperation:

Foster Legal Division is not obligated to issue refunds,
And may terminate the engagement pursuant to applicable ethical rules.

6. Exceptions (Only if Contractually Included)

The only exceptions to this no-refund policy are those:

Added as a specific clause in a signed contract,
Expressly stating when, how, and under what conditions a refund may be issued.

If a contract contains a refund clause, that clause shall govern.

7. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes regarding payment or refund questions will be handled:

According to the dispute-resolution process outlined in the signed service agreement,
Or, if none exists, through mediation or arbitration as designated by Foster Legal Division.

8. Acknowledgment

By engaging services, the client acknowledges and agrees to this refund policy in full.