TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Effective Date: October 1, 2025 (Version 1.0)


Definitions

  • Matchmaker: A representative of A Lasting Tie responsible for facilitating the matchmaking process.
  • Consultation: A private, recorded video call used to assess compatibility and spiritual alignment.
  • Letter of Intent (LOI): A formal acknowledgment of alignment with our values and willingness to proceed with introductions.

1) Scope of Services

A Lasting Tie provides personalized, faith-based matchmaking services, including consultations and curated introductions. While we prayerfully and intentionally facilitate matches, A Lasting Tie does not guarantee romantic outcomes, compatibility, or marriage. All introductions are facilitative, and clients are solely responsible for outcomes.

2) Eligibility

To receive services, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
- Be currently single and free to marry under U.S. law and Biblical principles
- Not be in a romantic relationship or civil union
- Submit all forms truthfully and completely

Eligibility will also be verified in accordance to our internal standards for the background check. Failure to meet eligibility criteria will result in ineligibility for services.

3) Matchmaking Process

The full matchmaking process—including intake, consultations, and introductions—is outlined in the Letter of Intent (Version 1.0, effective October 1, 2025). By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted the process as described in the LOI.

All introductions are facilitative only. Clients must provide explicit consent before personal information is shared with a potential match, and introductions occur only after mutual agreement.

4) Fees & Payments

Payment Trigger Process: The $2,500 service fee becomes due following this specific sequence:

Step 1: A Lasting Tie identifies a potential match and provides both parties with:
  • First name only
  • Age range (e.g., "late 20s," "mid-30s")
  • General profession category and education level
  • City/region
  • Debt status (yes/no and general type)
  • One photo
  • Pastoral reference information (if available, redacted)
  • Relationship history summary
  • Compatibility highlights

Step 2: Both parties must provide written confirmation (email or signed form) to contact@alastingtie.com stating: "I agree to proceed with this introduction and understand that payment is required."

Step 3: Upon receipt of both written confirmations, A Lasting Tie will:
  • Send payment instructions to both parties
  • Provide 10 business days for payment completion
  • Hold all detailed contact information until payment is received

Payment Confirmation: Service is considered rendered once payment is received and detailed contact information is exchanged between parties.

Non-Payment Consequences: If payment is not received within 10 business days of written agreement, the introduction is canceled and no further matching occurs for that client. If only one party submits payment within the 10 business days period, the paying party will be refunded and no introduction will occur.

Refund Policy: Once payment is made, services are considered rendered, and all fees are non-refundable, unless A Lasting Tie cancels before an introduction or if only one party submits payment within the 10 business days. This refund policy applies to the fullest extent permitted by law. State-specific consumer protections may provide additional rights.

5) Client Personal Responsibility

Clients must provide complete, accurate, and truthful information. A Lasting Tie relies on accurate data to assess compatibility and eligibility. We are not responsible for outcomes arising from false, misleading, or incomplete information.

Clients acknowledge full personal responsibility for:
- All decisions made during and after the matchmaking process
- Their own emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing
- Verifying information provided by an introduced match
- Conducting their own due diligence before proceeding with an introduced relationship
- Any interactions, communications, or meetings with an introduced match
- Protecting their own privacy and personal information
- Following applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction

A Lasting Tie serves as a facilitator only and cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of information provided by other clients. Referral information is provided voluntarily by third parties, and A Lasting Tie does not verify or endorse its accuracy. Clients waive any claims arising from referral content shared during introductions.

6) What We Collect

Information collection practices are detailed in our Privacy Policy, incorporated herein by reference.

7) Data Retention, Destruction and Technology Use

Client data is securely stored using:
  • Tilda
  • Google Workspace Apps

Retention Schedules by Data Type:

Client Records (1 year from last activity):
  • Intake forms and questionnaires
  • Consultation recordings and transcripts
  • Photos and preference information
  • Match records and communication history
  • Pastoral and personal reference information

Background Check Reports (2 years from completion):
  • Required for FCRA compliance
  • Dispute resolution support
  • Regulatory examination preparation

Financial Records (7 years from transaction):
  • Payment records and receipts
  • Tax documentation
  • Accounting records
  • Required by federal tax laws

Legal Documentation (Indefinite/As Required):
  • Signed agreements and consents
  • Legal correspondence
  • Dispute-related materials
  • Regulatory compliance records

Data Deletion: At the end of each retention period, data is automatically and permanently deleted using secure deletion protocols that prevent recovery. Where data is stored with third-party service providers (e.g., Google), deletion is subject to their retention policies, and A Lasting Tie will take commercially reasonable steps to ensure permanent deletion.

8) Privacy & Confidentiality

Clients consent to the collection, use, and storage of personal information solely for matchmaking purposes. Clients acknowledge that unauthorized use or distribution of another client’s personal information constitutes material breach, entitling A Lasting Tie to injunctive relief, damages, and permanent termination of services.

8.1) Detailed Confidentiality and Non-Circumvention Obligations

All clients are subject to comprehensive confidentiality, supervised communication, and non-circumvention obligations as detailed in the Matchmaking Services Agreement Section 5. These obligations include but are not limited to:

Confidential Information Protection: Clients must not share names, contact details, correspondence, or personal stories of other clients outside the matchmaking process without consent.

Non-Circumvention: Clients agree not to contact, meet, or arrange introductions with any prospective match outside of A Lasting Tie's facilitated process.

Supervised Communication: All initial contact with potential matches must occur through A Lasting Tie's approved introduction process.

Duration: These confidentiality, non-circumvention, and supervised communication obligations remain in effect for 24 months from engagement, regardless of service completion status.

Breach Consequences: Violations may result in injunctive relief, damages, suspension, or permanent termination of services as detailed in the Matchmaking Services Agreement Section 5.

For complete confidentiality terms and enforcement procedures, refer to the Matchmaking Services Agreement Section 5.

Confidentiality Obligations:
  • Clients must not share names, contact details, correspondence, or personal stories of other clients outside the matchmaking process without consent.
  • Confidentiality, non-circumvention, and supervised communication obligations remain in effect for 24 months from engagement.
  • Remedies for breach may include injunctive relief, damages, or suspension/termination of services.

9) Data Deletion

Clients may request deletion of personal data by emailing contact@alastingtie.com with the subject line "Data Deletion Request." Requests will be processed within 10 business days, unless retention is required for legal, administrative, or compliance purposes.

Note: Data deletion requests are separate from California "Do Not Sell/Share" opt-out requests. Opting out of data sharing does not automatically delete existing data. Clients may submit both requests if desired.

10) Background Checks & Eligibility Determination

Background checks are conducted by third-party providers in accordance with the FCRA.

Important Disclaimers:
  • A Lasting Tie does not conduct background checks directly
  • We do not control or guarantee the accuracy of third-party reports
  • Our "Eligibility Standards" are internal criteria, not certifications of character or safety
  • Background check results are not shared with potential matches

Payment: Clients pay the provider directly; A Lasting Tie does not charge for this. Current background check fees are approximately $176 (including processing fees), though actual costs may vary based on location and scope of search required. Clients are responsible for all background check costs regardless of final pricing.

FCRA Process: If background check results may affect eligibility:
  • Pre-adverse action notice with 5 business days to respond
  • Copy of background report and FCRA rights summary
  • Final adverse action notice if eligibility is denied
  • Right to dispute directly with reporting agency

Disclaimer of Liability: Clients acknowledge A Lasting Tie is not responsible for the accuracy of third-party reports and agrees to hold A Lasting Tie harmless for any consequences arising from the background check or eligibility determination.

10.1) Recording and Consultation Disclaimers

Clients acknowledge and agree:
- Consultations may be recorded for internal business purposes only
- Recording consent is required and may be withdrawn at any time
- Technical difficulties may affect recording or consultation quality
- A Lasting Tie is not responsible for technical failures or data loss
- Consultation content is confidential and used solely for matchmaking purposes
- AI-generated summaries are for internal use and may not capture all nuances. They are not official records and should not be relied upon as a complete or accurate representation.
- Clients should not share sensitive personal information during consultations
- Withdrawal of recording consent may affect service quality but not eligibility

11) Refusal and Termination of Service

A Lasting Tie reserves the absolute right to:
- Refuse service to any individual for any reason
- Terminate services immediately without prior notice for:
* Violation of confidentiality or non-circumvention obligations
* Harassment, inappropriate behavior, or disrespect toward staff or other clients
* Misrepresentation of personal information or background
* Failure to meet eligibility requirements
* Non-payment of required fees
* Withdrawal of required consents (background check, recording, etc.)

No refunds will be issued for termination due to client breach or misconduct.

12) Service Disclaimers and Limitations

By participating, clients acknowledge:
  • Voluntary Participation: All services are faith-based and voluntary.
  • No Guarantee: We do not guarantee compatibility, chemistry, or marriage.
  • Assumption of Risk: Clients assume all risks associated with matchmaking, including emotional, relational, financial, and personal consequences.
  • Waiver of Liability: Clients release and waive any claims against A Lasting Tie, its owners, officers, employees, agents, or representatives for any outcomes or damages arising from participation in matchmaking services.
  • Service Limitations:
Clients acknowledge and understand:
- A Lasting Tie provides facilitative matchmaking services only
- We do not provide relationship counseling, therapy, or psychological services
- Our service focuses on one introduction per engagement
- Availability of matches depends on current client pool and compatibility
- Geographic limitations may affect match availability
- Seasonal variations in client engagement may impact timing
- We reserve the right to determine match suitability based on our professional judgment

13) Limitation of Liability

A Lasting Tie's total liability, if any, arising from participation in its services or use of any information provided, shall be limited to the amount of fees paid by the client for matchmaking services.
A Lasting Tie is not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including emotional, relational, or financial losses resulting from introductions, matchmaking services, or client interactions with prospective matches.

14) Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

14.1 Mandatory Arbitration with Exceptions: Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in Collin County, Texas, EXCEPT for the following matters which may be pursued in court:

(a) Small Claims Court: Claims under $10,000 may be pursued in small claims court in your county of residence or Collin County, Texas.
(b) Injunctive Relief: Claims for injunctive relief for breach of confidentiality, non-circumvention, or supervised communication obligations under Section 8.
(c) Fee Collection: Collection of unpaid fees under $5,000.
(d) Third-Party Provider Disputes: Disputes involving third-party background check providers under Section 10.

14.2 State-Specific Provisions

California Residents:
- Arbitration: This arbitration agreement is subject to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281 et seq. You retain the right to pursue claims in small claims court for disputes under the court's jurisdiction limit.
- Cancellation Rights: You may cancel this contract for any reason within 72 hours of signing by providing written notice to contact@alastingtie.com. After 72 hours, standard cancellation terms apply.
- Privacy Rights: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have additional rights including the right to know, delete, correct, and opt-out of sharing personal information as detailed in our Privacy Policy.

Colorado Residents:
- Arbitration: This agreement complies with Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13, and you retain all rights under Colorado consumer protection laws that cannot be waived by agreement.
- Privacy Rights: Under the Colorado Privacy Act, you have additional rights including the right to correct inaccurate personal data, data portability, and protection against discrimination for exercising privacy rights.

New York Residents:
- Arbitration: This agreement is subject to New York General Business Law Article 29-H (Consumer Protection from Deceptive Acts and Practices).
- Consumer Protection: You retain all rights under New York consumer protection laws that cannot be waived by contract.

14.3 Arbitration Process All other disputes shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator with experience in commercial disputes, selected according to AAA rules.

14.4 Governing Law This Agreement and any arbitration or court proceedings shall be governed by Texas state law, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.5 Cost Allocation:
  • Filing fees: Split equally between parties
  • Arbitrator fees and administrative costs: Split equally between parties
  • Each party pays their own attorney fees unless Texas law requires otherwise

14.6 Class Action Waiver Client waives the right to participate in class actions, class arbitrations, or representative proceedings.

14.7 Unconscionability Savings Clause If any portion of this arbitration clause is deemed unconscionable or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the parties agree that:
  • The unenforceable portion shall be severed
  • The remainder shall remain in effect
  • Disputes may proceed in the courts of competent jurisdiction in that state

15) Client Responsibilities

Clients must:
  • Review the Disclaimers, Privacy Policy, and Letter of Intent before engagement
  • Provide truthful and accurate information
  • Participate in consultations with honesty and prayerful discernment
  • Engage spiritual authorities as desired (pastor, mentor, parent)
  • Respect confidentiality and integrity of the matchmaking process

Clients agree to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information in all forms and communications. Submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information may affect matchmaking outcomes and could result in suspension or termination of services.

16) Indemnification

Clients agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless A Lasting Tie from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or expenses arising from breaches of these Terms, misuse of the service, or any legal actions involving other clients.

17) Age Requirement

Clients must be 21 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident.

18) Third-Party Services Disclaimer

A Lasting Tie uses the following third-party services to deliver our matchmaking services:

Technology Platforms:
- Tilda (website hosting and form submissions)
- Google Workspace Apps (client records, email, file storage, consultation recordings)

Service Providers:
- Third-party consumer reporting agencies for background checks (clients pay directly)
- Payment processors for fee collection
- Analytics providers (Google Analytics) for website performance

While these services are carefully vetted, A Lasting Tie is not responsible for their privacy practices, terms of use, service quality, data handling procedures, or any service interruptions. Clients acknowledge that use of our services requires interaction with these third-party platforms and accept any associated risks.

For complete details about third-party data handling, please refer to our Privacy Policy Section 7.

19) State-Specific Consumer Notices

California Residents: You may cancel this contract for any reason within 72 hours of signing by providing written notice to contact@alastingtie.com. After 72 hours, standard cancellation terms apply.

Colorado Residents: Under the Colorado Privacy Act, you have additional rights including the right to correct inaccurate personal data, data portability, and protection against discrimination for exercising privacy rights.

New York Residents: This agreement is subject to New York General Business Law Article 29-H. You retain all rights under New York consumer protection laws that cannot be waived by contract.

20) Modification of Terms

A Lasting Tie reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

20.1) Document Hierarchy and Integration

This Terms & Conditions document, together with the Matchmaking Services Agreement, Letter of Intent, Privacy Policy, and Service Completion Agreement, constitutes the complete agreement between the parties. In case of conflict between documents, the following hierarchy applies:
1. Matchmaking Services Agreement (primary contract)
2. Letter of Intent (incorporated by reference)
3. Terms & Conditions (website terms)
4. Privacy Policy (data handling)
5. Service Completion Agreement (final acknowledgment)

21) Acceptance of Terms

By submitting interest, signing the LOI, or making a payment, clients acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions in full.