News
Elizabeth Smith Owen earns certification as SC Family Court Mediator
ROCK HILL, SC – Congratulations to Morton & Gettys partner Elizabeth Smith Owen, who now is certified as a South Carolina Family Court Mediator.
An experienced attorney whose practice includes all aspects of family law, including divorce, child support and custody, spousal support and division of property, Elizabeth long has guided clients through the mediation process as their attorney. Now she is certified by the South Carolina Board of Arbitrator and Mediator Certification to serve as a mediator helping parties resolve their disputes without the financial and emotional cost of lengthy litigation.
Mediation is required in most South Carolina divorce and child custody cases. Parties who turn to Elizabeth to mediate their matters will be able to rely on her extensive legal skills and years of experience in the complex area of family law.
To earn certification, Elizabeth was required to complete at least 40 hours of formal training. She also had to demonstrate familiarity with the rules and laws governing mediation.
Elizabeth is the second certified family law mediator at Morton & Gettys. Her colleague on the firm’s Family Law Team, Michael B. Smith, also is certified. Elizabeth’s and Michael’s skills as family lawyers long have been recognized by colleagues. Both hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, the top category for peer review the organization recognizes. Additionally, Elizabeth is listed in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation in the most recent edition of Best Lawyers in America.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Elizabeth is a member of the South Carolina Family Law American Inn of Court. She is a master, a designation reserved for experienced attorneys.
She also serves on the South Carolina Bar Judicial Qualifications Committee. The committee evaluates all candidates for the South Carolina Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Family Court and administrative law judgeships.
Elizabeth previously served as president of the York County Bar Association. She serves in leadership roles for several boards of non-profits in York County and she is a Liberty Fellow and a Riley Fellow.