Terms of Use

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the aurora-whale website ("Website") and services, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our Website or services.

Description of Services

aurora-whale provides consulting services focused on family business partnerships, including but not limited to:

• Business strategy development
• Partnership structure planning
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Succession planning
• Business model development
• Family governance frameworks

Website Use

Permitted Use

You may use our Website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe upon intellectual property rights
• Transmit harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Attempt unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Website
• Collect user information without consent
• Use automated systems to access the Website without permission

User Accounts

If you create an account on our Website, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities under your account.

Intellectual Property

All content on this Website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of aurora-whale or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without express written permission.

Consulting Services Terms

Engagement

Consulting services are provided under separate engagement agreements that specify scope, deliverables, timeline, and fees. These Terms of Use apply alongside any specific engagement agreement.

Professional Standards

We provide our services in accordance with professional consulting standards. However, consulting recommendations are advisory in nature and do not constitute legal, financial, or therapeutic advice.

Client Responsibilities

Clients are expected to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Participate actively in the consulting process
• Make timely payments according to engagement terms
• Respect confidentiality of other stakeholders

Limitations of Service

Our consulting services:

• Do not constitute legal advice; consult an attorney for legal matters
• Do not constitute financial advice; consult a financial advisor for investment decisions
• Do not constitute therapy or mental health treatment; consult appropriate healthcare professionals
• Cannot guarantee specific business outcomes or results

Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding information shared during consulting engagements, as detailed in individual engagement agreements and our Privacy Policy.

Information shared in individual stakeholder interviews remains confidential unless you explicitly authorize disclosure.

Payment Terms

Unless otherwise specified in an engagement agreement:

• Payment is due according to the schedule outlined in your engagement agreement
• Late payments may incur interest charges
• Continued service provision may be suspended for non-payment
• All prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated

Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellation policies are specified in individual engagement agreements. Generally:

• You may cancel with written notice
• Fees for work already completed are non-refundable
• Cancellation fees may apply depending on project stage
• Unused retainer amounts may be refunded according to engagement terms

Disclaimers

No Guarantees

While we strive to provide high-quality consulting services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Business success depends on numerous factors beyond our control, including market conditions, implementation quality, and stakeholder commitment.

Website Availability

We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of our Website. We may suspend access for maintenance, updates, or unforeseen circumstances.

Information Accuracy

We strive to provide accurate information on our Website but do not warrant the completeness or currency of all content. Information may change without notice.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• Our total liability for any claim is limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim
• We are not liable for losses resulting from your failure to implement recommendations
• We are not liable for actions of third parties

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold aurora-whale harmless from claims, damages, and expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Use
• Your misuse of our Website or services
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your provision of false or misleading information

Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of these external sites. Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk.

Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms of Use or our services should first be addressed through good faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes will be resolved through mediation or arbitration in Toronto, Ontario, before resorting to litigation.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Use is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our Website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our Website or services at our discretion, without notice, for conduct that violates these Terms of Use or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties.

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy and any specific engagement agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and aurora-whale regarding use of our Website and services.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use, contact us at:

aurora-whale
427 Wellington Street West, Suite 305
Toronto, ON M5V 1E7
Canada
Email: [email protected]