What to Know About Morton & Gettys Attorneys at Law for Family Law Matters

Who Morton & Gettys Are and What They Handle

Morton & Gettys Attorneys at Law is a South Carolina law firm that represents clients in family law cases, including divorce, custody disputes, child support, alimony, and property division. The firm operates in South Carolina and works with individuals navigating the legal side of family transitions.

Like any law firm, Morton & Gettys charges for their services. Before you contact them or any attorney, it helps to understand what family law representation involves, what questions to ask, and how to prepare for an initial consultation.

Key Takeaways

• Morton & Gettys is a South Carolina law firm offering representation in divorce, custody, child support, and related family law matters.
• Family law attorneys charge fees that vary by case complexity, and you should ask about their fee structure and billing method before hiring.
• An initial consultation with an attorney is your chance to describe your situation, learn what the legal process looks like, and decide if you want to hire them.
• South Carolina has specific rules about property division, custody, and support that an attorney can explain in the context of your case.
• You can also explore mediation, legal aid, or court self-help resources before or alongside hiring private counsel.

What to Expect in a Family Law Consultation

When you contact Morton & Gettys or any family law firm, the first step is usually a consultation. Bring documents that show your situation: a marriage certificate, any existing custody orders, pay stubs, tax returns, and a list of major assets (house, vehicles, retirement accounts). Write down the main issues you need resolved—custody, support, property—so you stay focused during the call or meeting.

The attorney will ask questions about your marriage, children, finances, and what outcome you are seeking. They will explain South Carolina's laws on property division (the state uses "equitable distribution," meaning assets are divided fairly but not always equally), custody standards, and how child support and alimony are calculated. They will also tell you what the process costs, how long it typically takes, and what your options are—litigation, mediation, or settlement negotiation.

Ask the attorney directly: What is your fee? Do you charge hourly, a flat rate, or a retainer? What does that fee cover? How often will you bill? What happens if the case takes longer than expected? A clear answer to these questions before you hire is essential.

South Carolina's Family Law Framework

South Carolina divorce and family law operates under state statutes that govern how property is divided, how custody is decided, and how support is calculated. Understanding these rules helps you know what to expect and what an attorney can and cannot do for you.

Property division in South Carolina follows "equitable distribution." This means marital property (assets acquired during the marriage) is divided fairly, though not necessarily 50-50. Separate property (assets owned before marriage or inherited) typically stays with the person who owns it. An attorney can help identify what counts as marital versus separate and argue for a division that reflects your contributions and needs.

Custody is decided based on the best interest of the child. South Carolina considers factors like each parent's relationship with the child, stability, involvement in the child's life, and the child's own preference (depending on age). Custody can be sole (one parent has decision-making authority) or joint (both parents share it). An attorney can help you present evidence of your parenting role and negotiate or litigate a custody arrangement.

Child support is calculated using South Carolina's child support guidelines, which take into account both parents' income, the number of children, and custody arrangement. Alimony (spousal support) depends on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. An attorney can explain how these calculations apply to your numbers.

When to Hire an Attorney Versus Other Options

Hiring a private attorney is one path, but not the only one. If your case is straightforward—you and your spouse agree on custody, property division, and support—you may be able to handle it with less cost through mediation or even uncontested divorce paperwork. If money is tight, South Carolina has legal aid organizations that offer free or low-cost representation to people who meet income limits.

Mediation is another option. A neutral third party helps you and your spouse negotiate terms without going to court. Mediation is often faster and cheaper than litigation, and it gives you more control over the outcome. Many family law attorneys, including those at firms like Morton & Gettys, can refer you to mediators or may offer mediation services themselves.

If your case involves abuse, a significant income gap, or complex assets, private representation is often worth the cost because the stakes are high and the law is technical. If you are unsure whether you need an attorney, many firms offer a low-cost or free initial consultation so you can ask that question directly.

How to Prepare for Working With an Attorney

Before you meet with an attorney, gather financial documents: recent pay stubs, tax returns for the last two years, bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage or lease documents, and any retirement account statements. If there are children, collect custody-related documents like school records, medical records, and any existing custody orders. Write a timeline of major events in your marriage and separation.

Make a list of questions specific to your situation. For example: "How long does an uncontested divorce take in South Carolina?" or "What does custody typically look like when both parents work full-time?" or "How is my spouse's business valued in property division?" Having these ready helps you use the consultation time well and get information that matters to your case.

Be honest with the attorney about your finances, your relationship with your children, and any issues (like substance use, criminal history, or mental health concerns) that might affect the case. Attorneys are bound by confidentiality, and they need the full picture to represent you effectively and to give you realistic advice about what to expect.

South Carolina Resources Beyond Private Counsel

South Carolina offers several resources for people navigating family law. The South Carolina Court Administration website has self-help information and forms for uncontested divorces and custody modifications. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with attorneys in your area. Legal Aid of South Carolina provides free representation to low-income individuals in family law cases; you can reach them through their website or by calling 211.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services handles child support enforcement and can help you establish or modify a support order. If you are seeking custody or support, you can also file through family court directly, though having an attorney makes the process smoother and increases the likelihood of an outcome in your favor.

Court-sponsored mediation programs are available in many South Carolina counties and are often free or low-cost. Ask the family court clerk in your county whether mediation is available for your type of case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a family law attorney in South Carolina?

Costs vary widely depending on the attorney's experience, your location, and case complexity. Some attorneys charge hourly rates (ranging from $150 to $400 per hour or more), others charge a flat fee for uncontested cases, and some ask for a retainer upfront. Ask any firm, including Morton & Gettys, for a clear fee estimate before you hire them.

Can I get a divorce in South Carolina without an attorney?

Yes, if you and your spouse agree on all issues (property, custody, support), you can file an uncontested divorce yourself using South Carolina court forms. The court clerk's office and the South Carolina Court Administration website have instructions. However, if there is disagreement or complexity, an attorney can protect your interests and navigate the process more efficiently.

How long does a divorce take in South Carolina?

An uncontested divorce can take a few weeks to a few months. A contested divorce—where you and your spouse disagree—can take six months to over a year, depending on how quickly issues are resolved and the court's schedule. Your attorney can give you a more specific timeline based on your case.

What happens if I cannot afford an attorney?

Legal Aid of South Carolina offers free representation to people who meet income limits. You can also explore mediation, which is often cheaper than litigation, or ask the court about fee waivers if you cannot pay court costs. Some attorneys also offer payment plans.

How is child custody decided in South Carolina?

South Carolina courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, considering each parent's relationship with the child, stability, ability to meet the child's needs, and the child's preference (if old enough). Custody can be sole or joint. An attorney can help you present evidence and negotiate or litigate a custody arrangement that works for your family.