The short version: The First Hearing is built to be safe to use when you're scared. We collect as little as possible, nothing is tied to your name beyond an email address you choose to give us, we never sell or rent your information, and we never buy contact lists.
What we collect
- Information you give us. If you enter your email to be notified when the guide is ready, or you use the "what a lawyer costs" form, we receive what you type — your email and, on that form, the quote amount, the charge in your own words, and the county. You choose whether to share any of it.
- Basic analytics. We use Google Analytics 4 and Microsoft Clarity to understand how the site is used (pages viewed, clicks, general location, device type). Microsoft Clarity masks the text and anything you type by default, so it captures layout and behavior, not content. You can turn Clarity off for your browser by adding
?clarity=offto any page's URL. - Standard server logs. Like most websites, our host records routine technical data (such as IP address and browser type) to operate and secure the service.
How we use it
- To send you the information you asked for (for example, the cost context after you use the form).
- To email you the guide or occasional updates only if you opted in — and you can unsubscribe anytime.
- To understand and improve the site.
Who we share it with
We do not sell or rent your information, and we do not buy contact lists. We share information only with the service providers that help us run the site, and only as needed:
- Mailgun — to send the emails you request.
- Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity — for the analytics described above.
- Vercel — our hosting provider.
We may also disclose information if required by law. That's it.
Your choices
- Email: unsubscribe from anything we send, or email us to be removed.
- Analytics: turn off Clarity with
?clarity=off; use your browser's privacy and ad settings for the rest. - Deletion: email us and we'll delete the information you've given us.
Retention & security
We keep what you give us only as long as needed for the purpose you gave it (for example, until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it). We take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.
Not for children
This site is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13.
Changes
We may update this policy; we'll change the date above when we do.
Contact
Questions, or want your information removed? Email help@thefirsthearing.com.
This page describes our privacy practices. The site provides general information and personal experience, not legal advice.