Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the website and services of Gouder & Associates, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Description of Services

Gouder & Associates provides legal services, corporate solutions, immigration services, and business management services in Malta. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Legal consultation and representation
• Corporate legal services
• Immigration services (citizenship, residency, work permits)
• Civil mediation services
• Administrative and executive support
• Business management solutions

3. Client-Attorney Relationship

3.1 No Attorney-Client Relationship

Visiting our website, reading content, or contacting us through our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is only established when we have expressly agreed to represent you and have confirmed this in writing.

3.2 Confidentiality

Information you submit through our website before establishing an attorney-client relationship may not be treated as confidential or privileged. Please do not send sensitive or confidential information until we have confirmed our representation.

3.3 Engagement Letters

All client engagements require a signed engagement letter or service agreement that outlines the scope of services, fees, and terms of representation.

4. Use of Website

4.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Transmit harmful code or viruses
• Attempt unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
• Collect information about users without consent

4.2 User Responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any account information and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Gouder & Associates or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright and intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on this website without our express written permission.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

6.1 General Information Only

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and this information may not apply to your specific circumstances.

6.2 No Warranty

This website and its content are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that the website will be error-free, uninterrupted, or free from viruses or other harmful components.

6.3 Accuracy of Information

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information on this website. Laws and regulations change frequently, and you should consult with a qualified professional for current information.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Gouder & Associates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from:

• Your use or inability to use our website or services
• Any unauthorized access to or use of our servers
• Any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from our website
• Any bugs, viruses, or harmful code that may be transmitted
• Any errors or omissions in any content
• Any reliance on information obtained through our website

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gouder & Associates, its partners, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to your use of our website or services, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Gouder & Associates. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. You acknowledge and agree that we shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss caused by your use of any third-party content or services.

10. Professional Conduct and Ethics

Gouder & Associates adheres to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics as regulated by:

• The Malta Bar Association
• The Code of Ethics for the Legal Profession in Malta
• Applicable laws and regulations in Malta and the European Union

11. Fees and Payment Terms

Fees for our services will be outlined in a separate engagement letter or service agreement. General terms include:

• Fees may be charged on an hourly basis, fixed fee, or contingency basis as agreed
• Payment terms will be specified in your engagement letter
• Additional costs and disbursements may apply
• We reserve the right to require advance payment or retainer fees
• Late payment may result in suspension or termination of services

12. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate the attorney-client relationship in accordance with the terms of the engagement letter and applicable professional rules. Reasons for termination may include:

• Completion of agreed services
• Non-payment of fees
• Conflict of interest
• Client request
• Violation of these Terms

Upon termination, you remain responsible for all fees and costs incurred up to the date of termination.

13. Privacy and Data Protection

Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our services, you consent to our Privacy Policy and our data practices as described therein.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Malta. Any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Malta.

15. Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising from these Terms or our services, the parties agree to:

• First attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiation
• Consider mediation before pursuing litigation
• Comply with any applicable professional rules regarding dispute resolution

16. Amendments to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this website. Your continued use of our website or services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be replaced with a valid provision that most closely approximates the intent of the original provision.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any engagement letter or service agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Gouder & Associates regarding the use of our website and services, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.

19. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: