Law Offices of Delton W. Barnes
WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY, SMS, TERMS & CONDITIONS, AND DISCLAIMER
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to The Law Offices of Delton W. Barnes (“Firm,” “we,” “our,” or “us“). We appreciate your trust and are committed to protecting your privacy while providing responsive, secure, and professional legal services.
This Website Privacy Policy, SMS Terms & Conditions, and Terms of Use (this “Policy“) describes how we collect, use, disclose, safeguard, retain, and otherwise process information obtained through our website (the “Website”), our online appointment scheduling platform (the “Booking Platform”), our secure client portal (the “Client Portal”), SMS communications, and other related online technologies and services (collectively, the “Online Services“). This Policy also governs your access to and use of the Online Services, as well as your consent to receive electronic communications, including SMS (Short Message Service) communications, from the Firm.
By accessing or using the Website or any of our Online Services, submitting information through any online form, scheduling an appointment, communicating with the Firm electronically, or opting in to receive SMS communications, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Policy. If you do not agree to the terms of this Policy, you should discontinue use of the Website and Online Services and refrain from submitting personal information through them.
Information We Collect
The Firm collects information you voluntarily provide and certain information automatically collected when you use the Website or our Online Services.
We may automatically collect technical and usage information, including IP address, browser and device information, operating system, access times, referring websites, pages viewed, approximate location, and Website activity. We may use cookies, analytics tools, tracking technologies, and similar tools to operate and secure the Website, improve functionality, understand visitor activity, personalize content, and measure advertising effectiveness. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some features may not function properly.
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including your name, contact information, business or employer information, information concerning a legal matter, appointment requests, payment information, documents, and other information submitted through our Website, Booking Platform, Client Portal, or communications with the Firm.
We may also receive information from publicly available sources, referral services, social media, advertising platforms, and other third-party services through which you interact with the Firm. We may combine this information with information you provide directly to respond to inquiries, conduct conflict checks, evaluate potential representation, provide legal services, improve our services, and administer marketing and business operations.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may utilize cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, analytics software, session identifiers, and similar technologies to improve website functionality and understand how visitors interact with our website. These technologies help us personalize your experience, maintain website security, evaluate website performance, improve marketing efforts, and better understand user behavior.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may affect the functionality of certain portions of the website.
How We Use Your Information
Having accurate information about you allows the Firm to provide efficient, responsive, personalized, and high-quality legal services while improving your overall experience with the Website and our Online Services. By voluntarily submitting information through the Website, Booking Platform, Client Portal, contact forms, online appointment scheduling, SMS opt-in forms, or other Online Services, you acknowledge and consent to the Firm’s collection, use, storage, disclosure, and processing of your information as described in this Policy.
Depending upon your interaction with the Firm, we may use your information to respond to inquiries; communicate regarding your request, inquiry, or legal matter; schedule consultations and appointments; conduct conflict checks; evaluate potential representation; provide legal services; open and administer client or prospective client files; process payments; collect consultation fees; send invoices, receipts, billing notifications, and payment reminders; request documents or additional information; administer the Client Portal and Online Services; respond to customer service requests; improve our Website, Online Services, client experience, and legal services; personalize your experience; perform internal business analytics; evaluate and improve the effectiveness of our marketing efforts; maintain the security and integrity of our systems; detect and prevent fraud or unauthorized activity; comply with legal, ethical, contractual, and regulatory obligations; and conduct other legitimate business activities reasonably related to the operation of the Firm.
Online Appointment Scheduling
To improve convenience, accessibility, and client communication, the Firm offers online appointment scheduling through its secure client relationship management (“CRM”) platform (the “Booking Platform”), currently available on our Firms Booking Page
Prospective clients may access the Firm’s Booking Platform through the Website, a direct link, or by contacting the Firm. The Firm’s telephone or SMS system may also send a secure scheduling link.
The Booking Platform may be used to schedule consultations, complete intake forms, submit information or documents, electronically sign documents, make payments, and receive appointment communications. We may collect contact information, information regarding your legal matter, appointment preferences, payment information, and other information necessary for conflict checks, intake, scheduling, or evaluating potential representation.
Information submitted through the Booking Platform may be used to conduct conflict checks, manage appointments and intake, collect fees, communicate with you, evaluate potential representation, and provide legal services if representation is accepted.
By requesting or scheduling an appointment, you consent to related administrative communications by telephone, email, and SMS in accordance with this Policy and our SMS Terms & Conditions. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP.
CLIENT PORTAL
To provide secure, efficient, and convenient client communications, the Firm utilizes a secure Client Portal that allows prospective clients and clients to communicate electronically with the Firm, exchange documents, complete intake materials, review shared files, receive invoices, make payments, execute electronic signatures, and perform other tasks related to the administration of legal services.
The Client Portal is currently accessible on our Firm’s Client Portal Page
To learn more about the Firm’s Secure Client Portal, click here: Client Portal Information
The Client Portal may be used to securely exchange communications, documents, billing and payment information, electronic signatures, and other information related to your legal matter. Clients are encouraged to use the Client Portal for confidential, privileged, financial, medical, or other sensitive information rather than SMS or unencrypted communications.
Information submitted through the Client Portal may be used to provide legal services, communicate with you, manage your matter and client file, process payments and electronic signatures, and satisfy the Firm’s legal and ethical obligations.
By using the Client Portal, you consent to the electronic transmission, processing, storage, and retention of information in accordance with this Policy. Although the Firm uses reasonable safeguards, no electronic system is completely secure.
The Firm may suspend, restrict, or terminate Client Portal access for security, maintenance, legal, ethical, or administrative reasons, or upon conclusion or termination of representation.
ONLINE PAYMENTS
The Firm accepts secure electronic payments for consultation fees, retainers, invoices, trust deposits where applicable, and other approved charges through its Online Services and authorized payment providers.
Secure payment links may be provided through the Website, Booking Platform, Client Portal, invoices, email, or SMS. Before submitting payment, verify that the payment request originated from the Firm and contact us regarding any suspicious request.
Payments are processed by trusted third-party payment providers using commercially reasonable security measures. The Firm generally does not store complete payment card or bank account credentials except as necessary to process transactions, maintain records, or comply with applicable law.
Eligible clients may apply for Buy Now, Pay Later (“BNPL”) financing through the Firm’s payment platform and its current financing provider, Affirm. Financing is subject to the provider’s eligibility requirements, underwriting, terms, agreements, and privacy practices.
The financing provider independently determines approval and financing terms. The Firm does not make lending decisions or guarantee financing or legal representation. The Firm receives only information reasonably necessary to confirm and administer payments and does not generally receive confidential financial information submitted directly with a financing application.
For additional information regarding payment financing, please visit:
By utilizing the Firm’s online payment services or applying for payment financing, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Policy and consent to the processing of your payment information by the Firm and its authorized payment service providers in accordance with this Policy and the applicable payment provider’s terms and privacy practices.
SMS Terms & Conditions
SMS Communications
The Firm may send SMS text messages to individuals who voluntarily provide a mobile telephone number and consent to receive text communications. Messages may include appointment scheduling and reminders, intake communications, Client Portal notifications, requests for documents or information, case-related updates, billing and payment notifications, customer service, and other administrative communications related to your inquiry or legal matter.
The Firm may use trusted service providers, including legal practice management, scheduling, communications, payment processing, cloud storage, and other technology providers, to facilitate these communications and business operations.
Consent and Message Frequency
Consent to receive SMS messages is voluntary and is not a condition of obtaining legal services. By providing your mobile number and consenting to SMS communications, you agree to receive text messages from the Firm. Message frequency varies based on your appointments, legal matter, and communications with the Firm. Standard message and data rates may apply.
Opt-Out and Assistance
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for assistance or contact the Firm directly.
Privacy
The Firm does not sell, rent, or share your mobile telephone number or SMS consent information with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
The Firm may disclose information as required or permitted by law, with your consent, to protect legal rights or safety, prevent fraud or unauthorized activity, or in connection with a business succession, merger, acquisition, or restructuring.
The Firm may also use trusted service providers to support communications, scheduling, legal practice management, Client Portal services, payment processing, data hosting, cybersecurity, document management, and related business operations. These providers may use information only as necessary to provide services on the Firm’s behalf and are required to safeguard such information.
Additional Terms
Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. SMS communications may become part of your client file and may be retained in accordance with applicable law, ethical obligations, and the Firm’s record retention practices.
Third-party websites and services linked through the Firm’s Website or Online Services are governed by their own privacy policies and terms. The Firm is not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of third-party websites or applications.
User Agreement & Website Terms of Use
No Legal Advice or Attorney-Client Relationship
The Website and Online Services are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter, and Website content may not reflect the most recent legal developments.
Using the Website or Online Services, submitting information, scheduling a consultation, communicating with the Firm, receiving SMS messages, or interacting with automated or AI-assisted technologies does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship exists only after the Firm completes its conflict review, accepts the representation, and any required engagement agreement is executed.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the Website or Online Services, you agree to this Policy. If you do not agree, you should discontinue use and refrain from submitting information through the Website or Online Services.
Limited License and Acceptable Use
The Firm grants you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, and non-transferable license to use the Website and Online Services for lawful, personal, and informational purposes.
You may not use the Website or Online Services for unlawful, fraudulent, abusive, or malicious purposes; interfere with their security or operation; introduce harmful code; gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts; impersonate another person; submit knowingly false or unlawful information; scrape, harvest, or systematically extract Website content or data; or use automated technologies to access or reproduce content without the Firm’s prior written consent.
User Responsibilities
You are responsible for providing accurate and truthful information and for maintaining the confidentiality of credentials used to access the Client Portal or other secure Online Services. If you submit information on behalf of another person or entity, you represent that you are authorized to do so.
Intellectual Property and AI Use
All Website and Online Services content, including articles, legal guides, educational materials, forms, templates, graphics, photographs, videos, logos, software, and downloadable materials, is owned by or licensed to the Firm and protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
Except as permitted by law or with the Firm’s prior written consent, Website content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, modified, published, sold, scraped, harvested, indexed, or commercially exploited.
Website content may not be used to develop, train, fine-tune, benchmark, evaluate, or otherwise support artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language models, or automated decision-making systems without the Firm’s prior written authorization.
Website Availability and Third-Party Services
The Website and Online Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. The Firm does not guarantee uninterrupted, error-free, or secure access and may modify, restrict, suspend, or discontinue any portion of the Website or Online Services at any time.
The Website or Online Services may link to or integrate with third-party services. The Firm does not control and is not responsible for their content, availability, security, or privacy practices. Your use of third-party services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.
Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Firm disclaims all express or implied warranties regarding the Website and Online Services.
The Firm shall not be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages arising from your use of, inability to use, or reliance upon the Website, Online Services, or Website content, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
Governing Law
This Policy and disputes relating to the Website or Online Services are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
Severability, Waiver, and Reservation of Rights
If any provision of this Policy is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Firm’s failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.
Changes to This Policy
The Firm may modify this Policy at any time. Updated terms become effective when posted to the Website unless otherwise stated. Continued use of the Website or Online Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
Attorney Advertising & Website Disclaimer
The information on this Website is provided by The Law Offices of Delton W. Barnes (the “Firm”) for general informational purposes only and may constitute attorney advertising under applicable law and the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.
Website content is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice concerning your specific circumstances. Use of the Website, submission of information, scheduling of a consultation, or communication with the Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after the Firm completes its conflict review, accepts the matter, and any required engagement agreement is executed.
Do not submit confidential, privileged, or time-sensitive information before the Firm accepts representation. Information submitted before an attorney-client relationship is established may not be protected as privileged or confidential.
Past results, testimonials, reviews, settlements, verdicts, and case results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Each legal matter depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
References to practice areas, experience, focus, or concentration describe the Firm’s legal services and do not imply certification as a specialist by the North Carolina State Bar unless expressly stated. Geographic references describe areas served and do not necessarily indicate that the Firm maintains a physical office in each location.
The Firm may advertise through search engines, legal directories, social media, and other advertising platforms. Such advertising does not constitute a guarantee of results, certification, endorsement, or third-party recommendation unless expressly stated.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this Policy, your privacy rights, our information handling practices, SMS communications, marketing communications, the Booking Platform, the Client Portal, or any of the Firm’s Online Services, please contact us:
Law Offices of Delton W. Barnes
5 East Marion Street
Suite 4
Shelby, NC 28150
Office Phone – 704-406-9416
Online Appointment Scheduling (Booking Platform)
You may also contact the Firm by completing the contact form available below. We will make reasonable efforts to respond to your inquiry in a timely manner.
Last Updated: July 15, 2026