Transactions Terms and Conditions

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PAYMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS

www.advocates-connect.com

Last Updated: January 5, 2025

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all payments and related transactions occurring on www.advocates-connect.com (the “Website”), which is owned and operated by AdvocatesConnect, Uganda (“AdvocatesConnect,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

By using this Website, making payments, or engaging in any transaction, you (“User,” “you,” or “your”) agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree, do not proceed with any payment or transaction on this platform.

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Legal Marketplace: The Website functions as an online platform connecting users with legal professionals and firms for legal-related services.
1.2 Service Provider: A lawyer, law firm, or legal service provider who offers their services via the Website.
1.3 Client: Any individual, company, or entity using the Website to seek legal services.
1.4 Payment Processor: Third-party service providers authorized to process payments on behalf of AdvocatesConnect and service providers.
1.5 Transaction: Any financial or commercial activity conducted through the Website, including payments for legal consultations, document drafting, advisory services, or other legal-related services.

2. PAYMENT TERMS

2.1 Accepted Payment Methods

  • Payments shall be made through mobile money (MTN, Airtel), credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and other authorized digital payment platforms as enabled on the Website.
  • All transactions are processed in Ugandan Shillings (UGX) unless otherwise stated.

2.2 Processing and Confirmation

  • Payments made through the Website are processed by a third-party Payment Processor in compliance with Uganda’s National Payment Systems Act, 2020 and applicable international financial regulations.
  • Transactions are deemed complete only when confirmation is received from the Payment Processor.

2.3 Transaction Fees and Deductions

  • Certain transactions may be subject to processing fees, which shall be clearly communicated before payment is made.
  • AdvocatesConnect does not control third-party fees (e.g., bank or mobile money transaction charges).

2.4 Currency Conversion and International Payments

  • Where a user pays in a foreign currency, the Payment Processor will handle currency conversion at applicable exchange rates, and additional fees may apply.
  • AdvocatesConnect is not responsible for fluctuations in exchange rates or fees charged by international banks or payment providers.

3. REFUNDS AND DISPUTES

3.1 Refund Policy

  • Payments made for legal services are non-refundable, except where a service provider fails to deliver the agreed-upon service.
  • If a refund is requested, the dispute shall first be resolved between the parties. AdvocatesConnect may facilitate communication but is not responsible for enforcing refunds.

3.2 Chargebacks and Disputes

  • Users must first attempt to resolve payment disputes with the respective service provider before initiating a chargeback.
  • Fraudulent or unauthorized transactions must be reported to AdvocatesConnect and the relevant Payment Processor immediately.
  • If a dispute escalates, legal action may be taken under Uganda’s Contracts Act, 2010 and other relevant laws.

4. LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS

4.1 No Client-Attorney Relationship

  • Use of the Website does not establish a lawyer-client or attorney-client relationship between you and AdvocatesConnect, Uganda.
  • Any engagement with a lawyer, law firm, or legal service provider through the Website is solely between you and that service provider. AdvocatesConnect is not responsible for the quality, accuracy, or outcome of the services provided.

4.2 Limitation of Liability

  • AdvocatesConnect shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damagesarising from:

    • Unsuccessful transactions, including but not limited to declined payments or processing errors;
    • Service providers failing to deliver legal services after payment;
    • Disruptions, unauthorized access, or security breaches in the payment process.

  • Any claims relating to payments or transactions shall be governed by Ugandan law and must be brought within six (6) months of the disputed transaction.

4.3 Third-Party Services Disclaimer

  • AdvocatesConnect may provide links or integrations with third-party payment processors, financial institutions, or other service providers.
  • We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for third-party services, policies, or security. Users should review their terms before engaging in transactions.

5. DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY

5.1 Compliance with Data Protection Laws

  • All payment data is handled in compliance with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 and international best practices (e.g., GDPR and PCI-DSS standards for payment security).

5.2 User Responsibilities

  • Users must ensure that their payment details (e.g., card information, mobile money PINs) are kept secure.
  • AdvocatesConnect shall not be responsible for losses due to user negligence, fraud, or phishing scams.

6. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION

6.1 AdvocatesConnect reserves the right to suspend or terminate a user’s access to payment features if:

  • There is suspected fraud, money laundering, or any illegal activity;
  • A user violates these Terms or engages in misuse of the platform;
  • Required compliance documentation (e.g., proof of identity for large transactions) is not provided when requested.

6.2 Any termination shall be in accordance with Uganda’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2013 and related regulations.

7. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND GOVERNING LAW

7.1 Governing Law

  • These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Uganda.

7.2 Dispute Resolution Mechanism

  • Any dispute related to payments or transactions shall first be resolved amicably through negotiations.
  • If unresolved, the dispute shall be referred to arbitration under Uganda’s Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Cap 4, and the decision shall be final and binding.

8. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

  • AdvocatesConnect reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms at any time.
  • Users shall be notified of significant changes through the Website or registered email. Continued use of the payment services after changes implies acceptance of the new terms.

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries, complaints, or support regarding payments, contact:

AdvocatesConnect, Uganda
Plot 62 Salama Road, Makindye, P.O. Box 36505,
Kampala, Uganda
Email: data.office1@advocates-connect.com
Phone: +256 700 516 832

By using the payment services on www.advocates-connect.com, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.