Last Updated: July 2025

Introduction and Our Commitment to Privacy

At Werno Family Law, we understand that your privacy is fundamental to your trust in our services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you visit our website at www.wernofamilylaw.com or engage with our services. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency in all our operations, and this extends to how we handle your personal data.

This policy applies to all visitors, prospective clients, and clients who interact with our website and services. By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection and use of your information as described herein.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide to Us

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us through various interactions with our website and services. This information may include:

Contact Information:

  • Full name
  • Mailing address and physical address
  • Email address
  • Primary and secondary telephone numbers
  • Fax number (if applicable)

Professional Information:

  • Company or organization name
  • Job title or position
  • Professional affiliations (when relevant)

Communication Information:

  • Information contained in emails, contact forms, or other communications you send to us
  • Details about your legal needs or inquiries
  • Feedback, comments, or questions you provide

Service-Related Information:

  • Information related to legal consultations or services
  • Case details and documentation (for clients)
  • Appointment scheduling information
  • Payment and billing information

We collect this information when you:

  • Request information about our legal services
  • Schedule a consultation or appointment
  • Subscribe to our newsletter or email updates
  • Participate in surveys, contests, or promotional activities
  • Submit contact forms or communicate with us via email
  • Engage with our social media content
  • Request documents, resources, or other materials

Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information to improve your browsing experience and analyze website performance:

Technical Information:

  • Internet Protocol (IP) address
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system and device information
  • Screen resolution and device capabilities
  • Referring website or source
  • Pages viewed and time spent on each page
  • Click patterns and navigation paths
  • Date and time of your visit
  • Geographic location (general area based on IP address)

Usage Analytics:

  • How you navigate through our website
  • Which pages are most frequently visited
  • How long visitors typically spend on our site
  • Search terms used within our site
  • Error pages encountered

This information is collected through various technologies including cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools, which are described in more detail below.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for legitimate business purposes, including:

Primary Uses

  • Providing Legal Services: To deliver the legal services you request, including consultations, representation, and ongoing client support
  • Communication: To respond to your inquiries, provide requested information, and maintain ongoing communication about your legal matters
  • Appointment Management: To schedule, confirm, and manage consultations and meetings
  • Client Relationship Management: To maintain records of our professional relationship and provide personalized service

Secondary Uses

  • Website Improvement: To analyze website usage patterns and improve our online presence, user experience, and content relevance
  • Marketing Communications: To send newsletters, legal updates, and information about our services (with your consent)
  • Quality Assurance: To monitor and improve the quality of our services and client communications
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards
  • Business Operations: To maintain business records, conduct internal administration, and support our operational needs

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

  • Your consent (for marketing communications and optional services)
  • Contractual necessity (for providing legal services)
  • Legitimate business interests (for website improvement and business operations)
  • Legal obligations (for compliance with laws and professional standards)

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. They help us recognize your browser and remember your preferences, enabling us to provide a more personalized and efficient browsing experience.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies:

  • Required for basic website functionality
  • Enable core features like security, network management, and accessibility
  • Cannot be disabled without affecting website performance

Functional Cookies:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Enable personalized features and improved user experience
  • Include language preferences, font size, and other customization options

Analytics Cookies:

  • Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
  • Provide insights into website performance and areas for improvement
  • Generate aggregate statistics about website usage

Marketing Cookies:

  • Used to deliver relevant advertisements and marketing content
  • Track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
  • May be set by third-party advertising partners

Web Beacons and Similar Technologies

Web beacons (also known as clear GIFs, pixel tags, or web bugs) are tiny graphics with unique identifiers that function similarly to cookies. We may use web beacons to:

  • Track user navigation and behavior patterns
  • Monitor email open rates and engagement
  • Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
  • Understand how visitors interact with our content

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have control over how cookies are used on your device:

Browser Settings:

  • Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie preferences through their settings
  • You can choose to accept all cookies, reject all cookies, or be notified when cookies are set
  • Specific instructions vary by browser type and version

Opt-Out Options:

  • You can opt out of certain analytics and advertising cookies through industry preference centers
  • Some third-party services provide their own opt-out mechanisms
  • Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality

Privacy Software:

  • Various privacy tools and browser extensions can help manage tracking technologies
  • These tools can block or override web beacons and other tracking mechanisms

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Our Commitment to Confidentiality

We respect the confidential nature of attorney-client relationships and maintain strict policies regarding information sharing. We do not sell, rent, lease, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

Limited Sharing Circumstances

We may share your information only in the following specific circumstances:

Professional Service Providers:

  • Legal research services and court reporting services
  • Document preparation and filing services
  • Expert witnesses and consultants (with client consent)
  • Professional liability insurance carriers (as required)

Business Operations:

  • Trusted third-party service providers who assist with website hosting, email services, and practice management
  • Payment processors for billing and financial transactions
  • IT support and security services
  • Marketing and communications platforms (for consented communications only)

Legal Requirements:

  • When required by law, court order, or legal process
  • To protect our legal rights or defend against legal claims
  • To prevent fraud or other illegal activities
  • To protect the safety and security of our clients, staff, or the public

Business Transitions:

  • In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of our practice
  • To a successor firm or attorney taking over client matters
  • As part of any business restructuring (with appropriate client notification)

Third-Party Safeguards

All third parties who receive your information are required to:

  • Maintain appropriate security measures
  • Use information only for specified purposes
  • Comply with applicable privacy laws and professional standards
  • Provide assurances regarding data protection

Children’s Privacy Protection

Our website and services are intended exclusively for adults and are not directed toward children under the age of 13. We strictly comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 13 years of age.

If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will:

  • Immediately delete such information from our records
  • Discontinue any further collection of information from that individual
  • Take steps to prevent future collection from underage users

Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided personal information to us should contact us immediately using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section below.

Data Security and Protection

Our Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

Technical Safeguards:

  • Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage
  • Secure socket layer (SSL) technology for website communications
  • Regular security updates and patches for all systems
  • Firewall protection and intrusion detection systems
  • Multi-factor authentication for staff access to client information

Administrative Safeguards:

  • Strict access controls limiting who can view personal information
  • Regular staff training on privacy and security protocols
  • Comprehensive data handling policies and procedures
  • Background checks for personnel with access to sensitive information
  • Regular security audits and assessments

Physical Safeguards:

  • Secure facilities with controlled access
  • Locked storage for physical documents and records
  • Surveillance systems and alarm monitoring
  • Secure disposal of documents and electronic media

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected
  • Comply with legal and professional obligations
  • Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
  • Maintain appropriate business records

Client files and related information are typically retained in accordance with professional ethics rules and applicable law, which may require retention for several years after the conclusion of representation.

Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Access and Correction Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Update your contact preferences and information
  • Request clarification about how your information is used

Communication Preferences

You can control how we communicate with you:

  • Email Communications: Unsubscribe from marketing emails using the opt-out link provided in each message
  • Newsletter Subscriptions: Manage your subscription preferences through our website or by contacting us directly
  • Service Communications: Important communications about your legal matters cannot be opted out of while you are an active client

Data Portability and Deletion

Subject to legal and professional obligations:

  • You may request a copy of your personal information in a commonly used format
  • You may request deletion of your personal information when legally permissible
  • Some information may need to be retained for legal compliance or professional ethics requirements

International Data Transfers

If you are accessing our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our business operates. By using our website and services, you consent to such transfer, storage, and processing in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable U.S. laws.

Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not owned or controlled by Werno Family Law. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such third-party sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit, as their practices may differ significantly from ours.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites, even if accessed through links on our website.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Policy Updates

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

Notification Methods:

  • Post the updated policy on our website with a new “Last Updated” date
  • Provide prominent notice on our website homepage for significant changes
  • Send email notifications to active clients and newsletter subscribers for material changes
  • Maintain previous versions of our policy for reference when legally required

Types of Changes:

  • Material Changes: Significant modifications that affect how we collect, use, or share your information will be prominently communicated
  • Minor Changes: Technical updates, clarifications, or administrative changes may be implemented with standard notice
  • Legal Changes: Updates required by new laws or regulations will be implemented as necessary

Your Continued Use

Your continued use of our website and services after any privacy policy changes indicates your acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree with the changes, please discontinue use of our services and contact us to discuss your concerns.

Contact Information and Questions

How to Reach Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Werno Family Law
540 N Golden Cir Dr #115, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (714) 942-5932

Business Hours:
M-F: 9AM-5:30PM

What to Include in Your Communication

When contacting us about privacy matters, please include:

  • Your full name and contact information
  • Specific details about your request or concern
  • Any relevant account or case information (if applicable)
  • Preferred method for our response

We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 5-10 business days.

Agreement and Acceptance

Terms of Use

By accessing and using the Werno Family Law website (www.wernofamilylaw.com), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

Disagreement with Terms

If you do not agree with any aspect of this Privacy Policy, you must discontinue use of our website and services immediately. Your continued use constitutes acceptance of our privacy practices as described herein.

Legal Effect

This Privacy Policy constitutes a legal agreement between you and Werno Family Law regarding the collection, use, and protection of your personal information. It supplements but does not replace any other agreements you may have with us regarding legal services.


This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with applicable privacy laws and professional ethics requirements. For the most current version of this policy, please visit our website at www.wernofamilylaw.com.