SMS Terms
SMS Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: October 21, 2026
These SMS Terms and Conditions explain how The Burton Firm, LLC uses text messaging to communicate with individuals who have agreed to receive messages from our office. They explain how consent works, the types of messages you may receive, possible charges and how to stop receiving text messages.
By opting in to our SMS communications, you agree to these terms. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw your consent at any time.
Consent to Receive Text Messages
The Burton Firm may send text messages to individuals who have provided their mobile phone numbers and consented to receive SMS communications. Consent may be obtained through a separate, optional checkbox on a website form, an authorized written request or another documented opt-in method.
When SMS enrollment is offered through a website form, the consent option must be selected voluntarily and must not be checked by default.
By opting in, you authorize The Burton Firm to send text messages to the mobile number you provided for the purposes disclosed during enrollment.
Submitting a contact form or providing a telephone number does not, by itself, constitute consent to receive text messages.
Consent to receive SMS messages is not required to request a consultation, obtain legal services or retain our firm. Your consent applies only to the types of communications you have authorized.
Types of SMS Messages You May Receive
Our SMS communications are intended to support inquiries, appointment scheduling and administrative communications associated with our legal services.
Depending on your relationship with our office and the consent you provide, messages may include:
- Responses to consultation requests and general inquiries
- Appointment confirmations and scheduling reminders
- Updates about upcoming meetings or appointment changes
- Requests for information or documents related to your legal matter
- Administrative notices concerning existing client matters
- Follow-up communications related to services you requested
Messages may concern family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, guardianships and other services provided by The Burton Firm.
Any marketing or promotional SMS program, if offered, will require the appropriate consent. Agreeing to receive administrative messages does not automatically authorize promotional communications.
SMS Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on your inquiries, appointment schedule and communication needs. Some individuals may receive only a few messages regarding an initial consultation. Existing clients may receive more messages when appointments change or administrative matters require attention.
We do not establish a fixed number of messages for every recipient. Text messages are sent according to the purpose of the messaging program and the consent provided.
Message and Data Rates
Message and data rates may apply when you send or receive SMS communications from The Burton Firm. These charges depend on your wireless carrier and mobile service plan.
The Burton Firm does not control charges assessed by mobile carriers. Contact your wireless service provider if you have questions about text messaging fees or data usage.
How to Opt Out of SMS Communications
You may stop receiving text messages from The Burton Firm at any time by replying STOP to a message sent through our SMS program.
After submitting your request, you may receive a final confirmation message acknowledging that you have been removed from the applicable messaging program. No further messages will be sent through that program unless you provide new consent or another lawful basis permits the communication.
You may also request removal from our SMS communications by contacting our office at (301) 901-5549.
Opting out of SMS messages does not prevent our office from contacting you through other authorized communication methods, including telephone calls, email or postal mail.
How to Get SMS Assistance
If you need assistance with our text messaging program, reply HELP to a message or contact our office directly.
You can reach The Burton Firm by calling (301) 901-5549 or emailing hello@thelegalcounsel.com.
For other questions about our services or communication practices, visit our Contact Us page.
Privacy and Protection of Mobile Information
We respect your privacy and use mobile phone numbers and SMS consent records to administer authorized text communications. Information collected for this purpose may include your phone number, consent preferences, message history and records of opt-out requests.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, except service providers that deliver our messages.
These service providers may process the information necessary to deliver authorized messages and maintain the messaging service. They are not authorized to use text messaging consent information for their own marketing purposes.
For information about our broader privacy practices, please review The Burton Firm’s Privacy Policy.
Confidentiality of Text Message Communications
Ordinary SMS messaging may not provide the security needed for confidential legal communications. Text messages can be viewed by anyone with access to your mobile device. They may also be stored by your wireless carrier or other service providers.
Please avoid sending Social Security numbers, financial account details, confidential legal records or other sensitive information through standard SMS unless our office has specifically approved that communication method.
If confidential documents must be exchanged, our office may direct you to another method of communication.
Do not use text messaging for emergencies, urgent legal deadlines or time-sensitive court matters.
Contact our office by telephone when a matter requires prompt attention. We cannot guarantee that incoming text messages will be reviewed immediately.
Attorney-Client Relationship
Sending or receiving text messages with The Burton Firm does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins when our firm expressly agrees to provide legal services under an appropriate engagement arrangement.
Communications made before an attorney-client relationship is established may still be subject to confidentiality obligations under applicable professional conduct rules. Please review our Terms of Use for information about website communications and prospective clients.
Individuals seeking legal representation should avoid sending confidential information through SMS before receiving instructions from our office.
Message Delivery and Mobile Carriers
Text message delivery depends on mobile networks, carrier policies, device settings and service availability. Messages may be delayed, blocked or undelivered because of conditions outside our control.
The Burton Firm cannot guarantee continuous SMS availability or immediate delivery of every message. Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
If you have not received an expected communication, contact our office directly rather than relying on SMS delivery.
Changes to These SMS Terms
The Burton Firm may revise these SMS Terms and Conditions to reflect changes in our communication practices, messaging providers or applicable legal requirements.
Updated terms will be published on this website with a revised date. Where applicable law requires additional consent or notice, we will follow those requirements before making the relevant changes.
We encourage individuals who receive our text messages to review these terms periodically.
Contact The Burton Firm
If you have questions about these SMS Terms and Conditions, your messaging preferences or how we handle mobile information, please contact our office.
The Burton Firm, LLC
14626 Main Street, Suite 202
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: (301) 901-5549
Fax: (888) 778-0475
Website: thelegalcounsel.com
Mailing Address:
The Burton Firm, LLC
P.O. Box 27
Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
Please send postal correspondence to our mailing address above.
For more information about our website and information practices, please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.