SMS / Text Messaging Policy

Overview

Rutkowski Law Firm (“we”, “us”) uses SMS text messaging to communicate with existing and prospective clients about their legal matters. This page describes what messages we send, how clients opt in to receive them, and how clients can opt out at any time.

Who We Send Messages To

We send SMS messages only to individuals who are existing clients of Rutkowski Law Firm, prospective clients who have requested a consultation, or individuals who have otherwise provided their mobile phone number to us and affirmatively consented to receive text messages from us.

Types of Messages

SMS messages from Rutkowski Law Firm may include:

• Appointment reminders and scheduling. Confirmations, reminders, and changes to scheduled consultations, meetings, or signings.
• Matter status updates. Notifications about progress on your estate planning, elder law, probate, or Medicaid planning matter.
• Document notifications. Alerts when new documents are ready for your review in our secure client portal.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. One-time security codes used to verify your identity when logging into our client portal.
• Follow-up communications. Responses from our team to your questions or requests.

We do not send marketing, promotional, or third-party advertising text messages.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on the stage and activity of your matter. You can generally expect fewer than 10 messages per month, and only in connection with your own legal matter or account activity.

Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. Rutkowski Law Firm does not charge you for sending or receiving SMS messages, but your mobile carrier may charge you according to your wireless plan. Contact your carrier for details.

How Clients Opt In

Clients and prospective clients provide express written consent to receive SMS messages from Rutkowski Law Firm through any of the following methods:

1. Client Portal Registration. When a prospective or existing client accepts an invitation to our secure client portal, they are asked to provide their mobile phone number and affirmatively check a consent checkbox stating: “By providing my mobile number and checking this box, I consent to receive text messages from Rutkowski Law Firm regarding my legal matter, including appointment reminders, document notifications, and two-factor authentication codes. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help.”
2. Intake & Consultation Requests. When a prospective client requests a consultation through our public intake form and voluntarily provides a mobile phone number, they are presented with and must check the same SMS consent checkbox before submitting the form.
3. In-Person or Written Authorization. Clients who sign an engagement letter or other written authorization with our firm may opt in to SMS communications by providing their mobile number on the form and initialing or checking the corresponding consent language.

A client's mobile phone number and SMS consent are never sold, shared, or transferred to third parties for marketing purposes.

How to Opt Out (STOP)

You can opt out of SMS messages from Rutkowski Law Firm at any time. To stop receiving text messages:

• Reply STOP to any text message you receive from us. You will receive one final confirmation message and will not be sent additional SMS messages.
• Contact our office directly and request that we remove your mobile number from SMS communications.
• Remove or update your mobile number in your client portal account settings.

Opting out of SMS does not affect your legal representation or your ability to communicate with us by email, phone, mail, or in person.

Getting Help (HELP)

Reply HELP to any text message from us for a reply that includes our firm name and contact information. You can also reach us using the contact details below.

Privacy

Any mobile phone number you provide and any SMS messages exchanged with Rutkowski Law Firm are treated as confidential client communications and are protected to the same extent as other communications with our firm. We do not sell or rent phone numbers. We do not share mobile numbers or SMS content with third parties except as necessary to transmit the messages themselves (for example, through our messaging provider) or as required by law.

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