What Cordell & Cordell Does and How It Works in South Carolina

Cordell & Cordell is a national law firm that handles divorce and family law cases, with offices across the United States including South Carolina

Cordell & Cordell specializes in divorce representation, child custody, child support, and spousal support matters. The firm operates as a for-profit legal service, meaning you hire them directly and pay their fees. They are not a government program, a free service, or a referral network—they are a law firm you would contact if you want to hire an attorney to represent you in a family law case.

The firm has built its practice around serving clients going through divorce and custody disputes. Like any private law firm, they charge for their services, typically through hourly rates or flat fees depending on the type of case and arrangement you negotiate with them.

Key Takeaways

• Cordell & Cordell is a private law firm you hire directly; they are not a government program or free service.
• They handle divorce, custody, child support, and spousal support cases in South Carolina and other states.
• You pay for their services through fees you negotiate with the firm, not through court or government funding.
• South Carolina has other options for legal help in family law cases, including legal aid organizations and court-appointed attorneys, depending on your income.

How to Contact Cordell & Cordell

If you want to explore whether Cordell & Cordell might represent you, you can reach out to their office directly through their website or by phone. Most law firms offer an initial consultation—sometimes free, sometimes at a reduced rate—where you can discuss your case and learn what their fees would be.

Before you contact any law firm, it helps to have basic information ready: the nature of your case (divorce, custody, support), whether children are involved, and roughly what assets or income are at stake. This helps the attorney give you a sense of what representation might cost and how long your case might take.

What You Pay and What to Expect

Private law firms charge for their time. Cordell & Cordell, like most divorce attorneys, typically bills by the hour or offers a flat fee for certain services. Hourly rates for family law attorneys in South Carolina vary widely depending on the attorney's experience and location, but you should expect to discuss costs directly with the firm before hiring them.

Some firms require a retainer—an upfront payment that the attorney draws from as they work on your case. Others bill you monthly or as the case progresses. Make sure you understand the fee structure before you sign an engagement agreement.

Other Legal Help Options in South Carolina

If you cannot afford a private attorney, South Carolina has other paths. The South Carolina Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys in your area. Some attorneys offer payment plans or reduced fees for clients with limited income.

Legal aid organizations in South Carolina provide free or low-cost legal help to people who meet income requirements. Lowcountry Legal Aid, Piedmont Legal Aid, and other regional organizations handle family law cases. You can search for the legal aid office serving your county through the South Carolina Bar's website or by calling 211, which connects you to local social services and legal resources.

If you are involved in a court case and cannot afford an attorney, you may be able to request that the court appoint one to you, though this is more common in criminal cases than in civil divorce matters. Ask the family court clerk in your county about what options exist in your situation.

How South Carolina Courts Handle Divorce and Custody

South Carolina is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing to end a marriage—you can file based on a one-year separation. The state also recognizes fault-based grounds like adultery or abuse, which can affect how property and support are divided.

Child custody and support are determined based on the best interests of the child. South Carolina courts consider factors like each parent's relationship with the child, the child's needs, and each parent's ability to provide care. Child support is calculated using state guidelines based on both parents' income.

Whether you hire Cordell & Cordell or another attorney, understanding how South Carolina courts work helps you know what to expect. The family court process typically involves filing paperwork, exchanging information with the other party, and either reaching an agreement or going to trial.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Attorney

Before you commit to hiring any law firm, ask about their experience with cases like yours. How many custody disputes have they handled? How many divorces involving significant assets? What is their typical timeline for cases that go to trial versus those that settle?

Ask about communication—how often will you hear from them, and who will you talk to (the attorney or a paralegal)? Ask what happens if your case is more complex than expected and costs rise. Ask whether they offer a written fee agreement and what it covers.

Get the fee structure in writing before you sign anything. Ask whether the retainer is refundable if you do not use all of it, and whether you will receive an itemized bill showing what work was done and how much time it took.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cordell & Cordell a free service?

No. Cordell & Cordell is a private law firm that charges fees for representation. You hire them and pay for their services. If you need free or low-cost legal help, contact a legal aid organization in your county or call 211.

Does Cordell & Cordell have an office in my South Carolina county?

Cordell & Cordell operates in multiple states, but not every county has an office. Check their website or call to see whether they serve your area. If they do not, the South Carolina Bar Association's lawyer referral service can connect you with local family law attorneys.

What if I cannot afford a private attorney?

South Carolina has legal aid organizations that serve people based on income. Lowcountry Legal Aid and Piedmont Legal Aid are two major providers. You can also ask the family court clerk about court-appointed attorneys or payment plan options with private firms.

How long does a divorce typically take in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires a one-year separation before an uncontested divorce can be finalized. If the divorce is contested or involves custody disputes, it can take longer. Your attorney can give you a better estimate based on your specific situation.

What should I bring to an initial consultation with an attorney?

Bring documents related to your marriage and finances: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, property deeds, and any custody or support agreements if they exist. Also bring information about your children and any concerns you have about custody or support. This helps the attorney understand your case quickly.