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Morton & GettysPartner
Michael B. Smith
Pro

Michael B. Smith

4.8
26 reviews

113 E. Main St., Suite 201, Rock Hill, SC 29730

Litigation, Family Law and Family Mediation, Premarital Agreements and 35 more

About Michael B. Smith

Michael is an experienced divorce lawyer whose practice consists of issues including spousal support or alimony, child custody and visitation and child support. He is a certified family law mediator, trained to assist couples in resolving legal issues without the emotional and financial stress of a drawn-out legal battle.Other attorneys have at times called upon Michael to share his knowledge of family law and attorney’s fees. He has been qualified by the family and magistrate courts as an expert witness on both topics. He is active in the Rock Hill, SC community and has served on committees of the York County Bar Association to develop the association’s web site and to assist in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit’s transition to mandatory mediation. He has also served on the boards of various community groups and as a scoutmaster.

 

Michael B. Smith (Rock Hill, South Carolina) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Michael B. Smith got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Michael B. Smith got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Michael B. Smith

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Overall Rating
4.8
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26
5.0
Lawyers.com
16
4.5
Martindale
10
Avvo
Not yet reviewed
Showing 1-10 of 16 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
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4 stars
6%
3 stars
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2 stars
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What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
4.9
Child Custody
Posted by Amanda
January 27, 2025
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

I am so thankful to have Michael and his paralegal Michele as my legal team during an incredibly stressful and high conflict divorce process. Their responsiveness and empathy toward my case brought so much value to my experience. Michael won’t sugar coat things and will always provide what you need to strengthen your defense. He is incredibly knowledgeable of South Carolina family law and will fight for the best interest of your family. He’s an incredible advocate to have in your corner.

 
Visitation Rights
Posted by James
December 15, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

I want to express my gratitude for the wonderful service I've received over the past many years.  I'm very appreciative and extremely thankful for all you've done for me.  I really don't know where I'd be without someone solid like you in my corner! Thank you!

Family Law
Posted by Amanda
May 14, 2024
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

I interviewed several attorneys after multiple frivolous cases were filed against me by my ex-husband and Michael was the only one who had a strong plan of action and strategy to defend me. Michael successfully defended me against 96 contempt’s of court, won my case at the South Carolina State Court of Appeals (Beach v. Beach, 2024), and successfully defended me against a custody modification case. Michael has an excellent reputation, astounding credentials, and really takes his cases personally. His work is impressive, he’s very intelligent, and even recites laws off the top of his head in court. We attended many court hearings together and all the judges even said I had an excellent attorney. Michael and his paralegal, Michele Allen, work very well together as a team. They are both very informative and prepare you well for court. I honestly wish I had them when I filed for legal separation and divorce six years ago. I'm truly grateful for both of them and for getting me through this.

 
Child Custody
Posted by Sam
November 15, 2023
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

If you are looking for an extremely knowledgeable, hardworking, professional, compassionate, and empathetic family attorney, I can't recommend Michael Smith enough. I am extremely grateful for the work Michael, Michele Allen, and Joe Neal put into my case. This team went above any beyond and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

Family Law
Posted by Ashley
June 20, 2023
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

Michael Smith was reliable, compassionate, and had the best communication skills that I have ever seen. He was very knowledgeable about the laws and then would break it down and run different case scenarios to ensure I understood it to the fullest. He won my case and our relationship did not end there. Michael made me feel not only like a client but someone you would consider a friend or even family along with Michelle his paralegal. I highly recommend Michael Smith.

 
Child Custody
Posted by Kristin
June 25, 2021
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

If you or anyone you know are looking for a child custody/support lawyer look no further than Michael Smith with Morton Gettys! After searching through some not so great firms, I found the most amazing firm and attorney -Michael Smith and his Paralegal, Michele. When I first met Michael, my first impression was - wow, he takes this seriously and he takes his time! The attorneys I spoke with before always seemed rushed, egotistical and just didn't seem to care. Not Michael! He went over every article in the papers I was served and explained everything - including how the opposing attorney had errors in the papers that haven't been the standard in years. I went from a ball of stress to the stress melting away after my first meeting with this wonderful duo. I cannot say enough about Michael and Michele! Thanks for everything.

 
Family Mediation
Posted by anonymous
February 03, 2021
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

Working with Michael was a great experience during a difficult time. Michael was very organized and prepared to explain the law as we navigated our own needs during mediation. Michael was patient and more than willing to allow us time to ask questions and consider multiple options as we decided on how best to move forward. Our mediation was resolved quickly and professionally.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
June 25, 2019
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

Michael B. Smith was outstanding. Everything was taking into consideration and handled in a timely manner. I would recommend Michael B. Smith to anyone.

Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 11, 2019
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

I would highly recommend Michael B Smith's services. His knowledge and experience assisted me in a very difficult divorce. He is extremely professional and responsive in all concerns no matter the size. Though this is his playing field, I felt that he was very genuine and very attentive to my specific situation.

Divorce
Posted by anonymous
January 31, 2019
Hired Attorney Michael B. Smith

Michael Smith is a top-notch attorney who provides both experience and compassion. He assisted us in handling a difficult family situation. Both he and his paralegal are knowledgeable and his communication is excellent. I would recommend him highly to anyone.

From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Litigation
  • Family Law 7
    • Premarital Agreements
    • Divorce
    • Paternity
    • Child Custody
    • Visitation Rights
    • Child Support
    • Adoptions
  • Annulment
  • Fathers Rights
  • Restraining Orders
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution 1
    • Mediation
  • Domestic Violence
  • Other 24
    • Family Law and Family Mediation
    • Parental Rights
    • Grandparents Custody
    • Third Party Custody
    • Parental Kidnapping
    • Parenting Time
    • Grandparents Visitation Rights
    • Alimony
    • Marital Property Distribution
    • Marital Property Settlements
    • Name Changes
    • Termination of Parental Rights
    • Adoption Law
    • Assisted Reproductive Technology
    • Divorce Arbitration
    • Domestic Relations
    • Family Arbitration
    • Interstate Child Custody
    • Interstate Support
    • Marital Agreements
    • Matrimonial Law
    • Post Divorce Modification
    • Post Nuptial Agreements
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Accepted Credit Cards
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Partner
    Firm Name
    Morton & Gettys
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases

    Beach v. Beach, 2024-UP-020

    Briggs
    Briggs v. Briggs
    Bain, 2023-UP-213

    Kay v. Kay, 2006-UP-76 (S.C. App. 2006)

    Powell v. Hemelt, 2008-UP-24 (S.C. App. 2008)
    State v. Cope, 385 S.C. 274, 684 S.E.2d 177 (S.C. App. 2009).

    Transactions
    Prosecuted and defended divorce actions based upon adultery, physical cruelty, and habitual drunkenness.
    Represented wife that required guardian ad litem due to mental health issues in divorce action.
    Defended man against girlfriend's claim of common law marriage.
    Obtained finding of common law marriage.
    Obtained custody for numerous mothers and fathers in divorce and custody proceedings.
    Prosecuted and defended actions to modify custody.
    Obtained child custody/visitation for grandparents.
    Defended parents against grandparents' claims for custody/visitation.
    Defended step-parent named in custody case between parents.
    Represented parents in out-of-state relocation cases.
    Represented out-of-state father in proceedings to enforce his visitation privileges.
    Prosecuted and defended parents in actions to modify child support.
    Terminated alimony obligation for payor spouse.
    Represented business owner in equitable distribution of marital estate valued over 10 million dollars.
    Obtained name changes for numerous children and adults.
    Represented grandparents of deceased father's child in mother's action to change child's surname.
    Prosecuted and defended spouses in domestic protection actions.
    Effectively represented guardians ad litem in custody, adoption, and DSS proceedings.
    Served as guardian ad litem for children and imprisoned parents in private and DSS actions.
    Defended parents against DSS, obtaining dismissals of actions and the return of children to their homes.
    Defended father in DSS action to terminate his parental rights.
    Defended father accused of murdering daughter in DSS termination of parental rights case.
    Represented parents in assisted reproduction issues.
    Domesticated international adoptions.
    Obtained adoptions for out-of-state parents.
    Located missing parents and terminated their parental rights in adoption actions.
    Drafted effective prenuptial, separation, and reconciliation agreements.
    Successfully mediated resolutions to domestic issues.
  • Additional Links
    http://www.mortongettys.com

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2000, South Carolina
    2003, U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
    Memberships
    SC Bar Association,Member, Family Law Section
    South Carolina Bar,
    House of Delegates, 2015 – present
    York County Bar Association, Committee for Website Development
  • Education & Certifications
    Other Education
    University of South Carolina
    Class of 1996
    Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
    Cum Laude

    Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, Campbell University
    Juris Doctor
    Legal Certifications
    Supreme Court of South Carolina Certified Mediator since 2007, Supreme Court of South Carolina Certified Arbitrator since 2017, Certified Family Court Mediator
  • Personal Details & History
    Hobbies & Interests
    Mountain biking, running, kayaking, camping, hunting, fishing

Contact Michael B. Smith

Partner at Morton & Gettys
4.8
26 reviews

113 E. Main St., Suite 201Rock Hill, SC 29730U.S.A.

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Office Hours:
  • Monday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Michael B. Smith was admitted in 2000 to the State of South Carolina.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Michael B. Smith is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.
  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, Michael B. Smith has a professional profile on LinkedIn.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Michael B. Smith has a 4.5 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Morton & Gettys was established in 2001.

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