Family Law Attorney in Fort Mill

Support For Divorce, Custody & Other Family Matters

When your family is going through a major change, it can feel like everything is happening at once. Decisions about children, finances, and your home all come at a time when you may feel exhausted and uncertain. In these moments, working with an experienced family law attorney can bring clarity and a plan.

At Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC, our firm focuses on helping individuals and families in Fort Mill and the surrounding area navigate divorce, custody, support, and related family issues. Our attorneys bring more than 45 years of combined experience in South Carolina family law, and we are committed to guiding you with steady, practical advice.

We hold AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Ratings, which reflect how our peers view our ethical standards and legal ability. We combine that background with a collaborative, client-focused approach so that you receive thoughtful guidance that fits your situation, not a one-size-fits-all answer.

Have questions about divorce or custody? Call (866) 977-5251 or book a consultation online to speak with our family law team.

How We Approach Family Law

When you come to us, we understand that you may be anxious, unsure what to expect, and worried about your future. Our priority is to listen. We want to understand your family, your goals, and what is most important to you, whether that is protecting time with your children, maintaining financial stability, or reducing conflict where possible.

Our team works in a collaborative way. More than one attorney may discuss strategy on your case, and we often consult with each other about legal issues and potential approaches. At the same time, you have a primary attorney who serves as your main contact, so you know who to call with questions and updates.

Communication is central to how we practice. We work to explain your options in everyday language and to prepare you for each step in the process. This can include discussing how the York County Family Court in Rock Hill generally handles cases involving residents of Fort Mill and what that may mean for timelines and procedures.

We are also mindful that legal representation is an investment. Our goal is to handle your matter efficiently, to help you focus on issues that truly affect your outcome, and to avoid unnecessary disputes when a practical resolution is available. When negotiation is not possible, and a hearing is necessary, we draw on our experience to present your position clearly and firmly to the court.

Divorce & Separation Guidance

If you are considering ending your marriage, or if you have already been served with divorce papers, you may have immediate questions about your rights and what happens next. In South Carolina, divorce typically involves decisions about property division, possible alimony, and, when children are involved, custody and child support. Each of these pieces can affect your day-to-day life for years to come.

Our family attorneys help clients in Fort Mill understand how these issues are viewed in the York County Family Court, where many cases for this area are heard. Property division often includes the marital home, retirement accounts, bank accounts, and debts. Courts generally aim for an equitable distribution, which does not always mean an exact fifty-fifty split. We walk you through what that concept may look like in your situation and talk through options for settlement and, if needed, litigation.

Alimony is another concern for many people. South Carolina courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and contributions made during the relationship. We discuss these factors with you in detail and help you evaluate whether alimony is likely to be an issue, either as the person who might pay or the person who might receive support.

When children are involved, decisions during divorce can shape your parenting relationship for a long time. We help you think through parenting schedules that reflect your children’s needs and your work commitments, including how school and activities around Fort Mill and Rock Hill fit into a realistic plan. Our role as your family lawyer is to identify solutions that protect your relationship with your children while also being workable in practice.

If you are just starting this process, these early steps can be helpful:

• Gather recent financial information, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and account statements.
• Avoid signing agreements or making major financial moves without legal advice.
• Consider your goals for living arrangements, parenting time, and financial stability after divorce.
• Write down questions about your situation so we can address them during a consultation.

We know that no two divorces are the same. Our family attorneys take time to understand the history of your relationship and the pressures you are facing. We then work with you to choose a path that may include negotiation, mediation, or, when necessary, presenting your case to the court.

Custody & Support Matters

For many parents, the most stressful part of a family law case involves their children. South Carolina courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. Judges often look at factors such as each parent’s involvement in daily care, the stability of each home, and the ability of parents to support a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.

We help parents in the Fort Mill area understand how these principles may apply in their situation. Parenting plans can include where children live during the week, how weekends and holidays are shared, and how major decisions about education, health care, and activities are made. Our family attorneys work with you to develop proposals that reflect your children’s routines, including school schedules and activities that may be based in Fort Mill, Rock Hill, or nearby communities.

Child support is another key issue. South Carolina uses guidelines that consider each parent’s income, the number of children, health insurance costs, and certain other expenses. We explain how those guidelines generally work and help you gather the information needed for accurate calculations. When there are reasons to request a deviation from the guidelines, we talk with you about the evidence courts typically review.

In some situations, spousal support may also arise outside of divorce, or existing orders about custody or support may no longer fit your circumstances. Job changes, relocations, and changes in your child’s needs can lead to requests for modification. Our role as a family law lawyer is to evaluate whether a change in orders is realistic and to guide you through the process of requesting or responding to modifications.

Throughout custody and support matters, we stay focused on both your legal rights and your child’s well-being. Our attorneys aim to help you make clear, informed decisions in a time that often feels uncertain, and to advocate for arrangements that support stability for your family.

Working With Our Family Law Team

Reaching out to a family attorney can feel like a big step. We want you to know what to expect. During an initial consultation, we typically review your situation, discuss your priorities, and outline potential options. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and to get a sense of how we communicate and work.

If you choose to move forward with our firm, you will work with a primary attorney who is your main contact. Behind the scenes, our team often discusses strategy together so that you benefit from our combined experience. We aim to keep you updated as your case moves through the York County Family Court or Lancaster County Family Court, depending on where your matter is filed.

We strive to be clear about the steps involved, such as filing documents, attending mediation, or preparing for a hearing. Our attorneys provide honest, straightforward advice, including when a proposed agreement may not serve your long-term interests. We believe that informed clients are better able to make decisions that fit both their values and their practical needs.

We are also attentive to legal costs. We talk with you about the work that may be involved in your matter and how different choices, such as extended disputes or negotiated resolutions, can affect time and expense. Our goal is to provide effective representation while remaining mindful of efficiency.

Families in and around Fort Mill often find it convenient to meet with us at our Rock Hill office. When appropriate, we can also discuss other meeting arrangements to help fit representation into your schedule. Wherever you are in the process, our attorneys are ready to listen and to help you consider your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will your attorneys approach my divorce?

We begin by listening to your concerns and goals, then we explain the legal issues that are likely to arise in your case. Our team works together on strategy while one attorney remains your main contact. We aim to resolve matters efficiently while still protecting what is most important to you.

Can you help with child custody in Fort Mill?

Yes, we represent parents in custody and visitation matters involving children who live in or near Fort Mill. We help you understand how South Carolina courts look at the best interests of the child and work with you to develop parenting plans and proposals that reflect your family’s circumstances.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

It is helpful to bring any court papers you have received, recent financial information such as pay stubs and tax returns, and a summary of your situation. A written list of questions can also make sure we address your most pressing concerns during our time together.

How do you keep legal costs manageable?

We focus on efficiency and clear planning. Our family attorneys discuss with you which issues truly need to be pursued and which may be resolved through negotiation. We also aim to communicate in a way that avoids unnecessary back and forth, while still keeping you informed at each stage of your case.

Will I work with more than one attorney?

You will have a primary attorney who is your main point of contact. Behind the scenes, our family lawyers often collaborate on strategy so you benefit from more than one perspective when needed. We believe this team-based approach offers strong support while still giving you a clear, consistent line of communication.

Start A Conversation With Our Team

If you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or another family law issue, you do not have to sort through it alone. Speaking with a family lawyer can help you understand your options, prepare for what comes next, and make decisions that support your future and your children.

At Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC, we bring 45 years of combined experience, AV® rated attorneys, and a collaborative approach to every matter we handle. Our goal is to provide thoughtful guidance, clear communication, and representation that respects both your rights and your resources. 

Call us at (866) 977-5251 or schedule a consultation online today to discuss your family law matter and explore your options with our team.