Privacy Policy
Last updated: November 2, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how the Law Office of Michael J. Belle (“the Firm,” “we,” “us”) collects, uses and protects information when you visit michaelbelle.com (the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here.
Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship
Sending us a message through the Site, by email or by phone does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after we have confirmed that we can represent you and both parties have signed a written engagement agreement. Until then, please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through the Site’s contact forms.
Information we collect
Information you give us
When you use a contact form, request a consultation or email us, we collect the information you choose to provide, such as your name, email address, phone number and the content of your message.
Information collected automatically
Like most websites, the Site and our service providers automatically collect certain technical information when you visit, including your IP address, browser and device type, pages viewed, the page that referred you, and the date and time of your visit. This information is collected through server logs, cookies and similar technologies described below.
How we use information
- To respond to your inquiry and schedule consultations
- To check for conflicts of interest before agreeing to represent anyone
- To provide legal and real estate closing services to clients
- To operate, secure and improve the Site, including preventing spam and abuse
- To understand how visitors use the Site
- To comply with legal, ethical and professional obligations
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
Cookies and third-party services
The Site uses the following third-party services, which may set cookies or collect information directly from your browser under their own privacy policies:
- Google Analytics — measures Site traffic and usage. You can opt out with the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
- Google reCAPTCHA — protects our contact forms from spam. Use of reCAPTCHA is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
- Google Maps — displays our office location.
- Secure closing portal — links on the Site may take you to a third-party closing portal operated by our service provider, which has its own privacy terms.
Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. If you do, some features of the Site may not work as intended. The Site does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.
How we share information
We share personal information only as needed to operate the Site and serve our clients, including with:
- Service providers that host the Site, deliver email or provide the tools listed above, who may use the information only to provide services to us
- Parties to a real estate transaction or legal matter, such as lenders, title insurers, other counsel, courts and government recording offices, when needed to carry out a client’s matter
- Authorities or others when required by law, court order or professional rules, or to protect the rights and safety of the Firm, our clients or others
Confidentiality of client information
Information we receive in the course of representing a client is protected by the attorney’s duty of confidentiality and, where applicable, the attorney-client privilege under the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and Florida law. This Privacy Policy does not limit those protections.
Data security and retention
We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. We keep information for as long as needed for the purposes described above, including to meet our record-keeping obligations as a law firm.
Links to other websites
The Site may link to websites we do not control, such as social media pages and map services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.
Children’s privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the Site.
Your choices
You may ask us to review, correct or delete personal information you have submitted through the Site by contacting us as described below. We will respond as required by applicable law and subject to our legal and professional record-keeping obligations.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.
Contact us
Law Office of Michael J. Belle
2364 Fruitville Rd
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-955-9212
Email: service@michaelbelle.com