Nate Pierce is new president of York County Bar Association
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Nate Pierce, an attorney with Morton & Gettys, is the new president of the York County Bar Association. He became president of the local bar on May 19. “We’ve always been impressed with Nate’s talents and abilities,” Morton & Gettys co-founder John Gettys said. “His election as Bar president, particularly at […]
Posted on May 29th, 2020
| Nate PierceBev Carroll concludes term as SC Bar president
Morton & Gettys attorney Bev Carroll is closing out a successful year of leadership of the South Carolina Bar on Thursday, when her term as president of the 16,000-member organization concludes. The firm is proud of Bev’s deep commitment to serving the legal profession and proud of all that she’s accomplished. “Few have answered the […]
Posted on May 18th, 2020
| Bev CarrollSBA guidance On Good Faith Certification of Need under PPP loans
By Melissa Cassell Attorney at Law On April 23, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued additional guidance to its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, which can be found at https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf. When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stimulus Act (CARES Act) was passed last month, it waived the requirement that a borrower could not get […]
Posted on April 27th, 2020
| Melissa CassellTwo Morton & Gettys attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers for 2020
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Bev Carroll and Elizabeth Smith Owen have been recognized for their professional excellence by Super Lawyers® for 2020. Bev has been named a Super Lawyer in the area of employment and labor law in the Rock Hill area, while Elizabeth has again been named a Rising Star for 2020 in the […]
Posted on April 27th, 2020
| Bev Carroll, Elizabeth Smith OwenCOVID-19 resources
Posted on April 6th, 2020
Mechanic’s liens and COVID-19
In the current climate, with COVID-19 sending a shockwave of uncertainty through the economy, people and companies are rethinking capital expenditures and prioritizing their debts and other obligations. The construction industry may start to see a slow down in new projects, and experience trouble collecting on past accounts. You may be inclined to offer an extension on payment of an amount owed out of a gesture of goodwill. However, it is important to remember that your right to secure payment under the mechanic’s lien statute is time sensitive and will be waived if not pursued in a timely manner.
Posted on April 3rd, 2020
| Nate PierceCoronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) tax credits and SBA loans
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) authorized two separate SBA loan programs and a tax credit for employers, which are all explained in further detail below.
Posted on April 2nd, 2020
| Davis RiddleStimulus payments and tax relief under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
On Friday, March 27th, 2020 President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT). This act allocates approximately $2.2 trillion toward mitigating the negative economic, health, and safety impacts of the pandemic.
Posted on April 2nd, 2020
| Lynelle MorganDivorce in the time of coronavirus: COVID-19 FAQs
The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone’s normal in a short amount of time. For people involved in active family court litigation, or who are operating under an existing family court order, these changes raise many questions. Here, we try to answer some of the most common.
Posted on April 2nd, 2020
| Lynelle MorganDomestic violence cases amid COVID-19
By James MortonAttorney at Law Marriage and cohabiting can be challenging in the best of times. Home-schooling, joblessness or working from home and other COVID-19 restrictions significantly increase anxiety and stress. In times like these, the risk of a physical altercation is escalated. S.C. Code of Laws Section 16-25-20 states: (A) It is unlawful to: […]
Posted on April 1st, 2020
| Jim MortonTwo employment provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
As a part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed by the President on March 18, 2020, there are two provisions that deal with leave from employment; the “Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act,” which amends the Family Medical Leave Act and the second, the “Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act.” Learn more about them.
Posted on March 23rd, 2020
| Joe NealOur rules for meeting with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic
At Morton & Gettys, we’re having to do what everyone else is doing during this health crisis – adjust to a new reality every day, as we all learn more about the threat posed by COVID-19. For the time being, we will have face-to-face meetings with clients only in situations that require witnessed signatures. When […]
Posted on March 20th, 2020
Our response to COVID-19
We are here to serve you through this health crisis. With courts across South Carolina either cutting back on operations or closing altogether, you may wonder whether your own urgent legal matters will be put on hold as well. At Morton & Gettys, we stand ready to serve you through this crisis, and will help […]
Posted on March 19th, 2020
Dan Ballou becomes a partner
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Attorney Daniel J. Ballou has been promoted to partner at Morton & Gettys, as of Jan. 1. Also named partner was Melissa Cassell. “To have such a good lawyer, and friend, join our firm a few years ago to establish and build a civil litigation practice has made a world of […]
Posted on January 6th, 2020
| Dan BallouMelissa Cassell promoted to partner
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Attorney Melissa Cassell has been promoted to partner at Morton & Gettys, as of Jan. 1. Also named as partner was Dan Ballou. “Melissa started with our firm as a law clerk while attending USC School of Law,” said John Gettys, a founding partner of the firm. “It was obvious to […]
Posted on January 6th, 2020
| Melissa CassellPublic radio examines 1990 murder case
In 2014, Morton & Gettys co-founder Jim Morton had a chance to set things right. A former prosecutor, he stood beside Doug O’Neal during a parole hearing and told the board that he believed O’Neal wasn’t guilty of the crime for which Morton had argued for conviction. At the end of that hearing, O’Neal was freed from prison. South Carolina […]
Posted on December 9th, 2019
Neal is now our newest associate
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – A familiar face is stepping into a new role. Joe’Terrious Neal, who joined Morton & Gettys in August as he awaited results of the Bar exam, is now an associate. His practice focuses on civil litigation. Neal earned his juris doctor from the University of South Carolina. He honed his […]
Posted on November 19th, 2019
| Joe NealBest Law Firms in America names Morton & Gettys in top tier for 2020
ROCK HILL, S.C. – In the 2020 edition of Best Law Firms, Morton & Gettys has been recognized as a top-tier firm in real estate law in the Rock Hill area. The U.S. News–Best Lawyers® publication recognizes the top practices in the nation. This is the firm’s fourth consecutive year in the listing. Morton & […]
Posted on November 5th, 2019
Daylight Savings Time Means Employers May Have to Pay for an Extra Hour
By MELISSA CASSELL Attorney at Law ROCK HILL, S.C. – For most people, the end of Daylight Savings Time in the wee hours of Sunday, Nov. 3, means little more than an extra hour’s sleep and making sure all the clocks are set back. But for employers with third-shift employees, it may require putting extra […]
Posted on October 28th, 2019
| Melissa CassellSuper Lawyers names Elizabeth Smith Owen as a Rising Star in SC
ROCK HILL, SC – Elizabeth Smith Owen has been named by Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star for 2019 in the area of Family Law in South Carolina. A partner with Morton & Gettys law firm in Rock Hill, Elizabeth is an experienced divorce lawyer who represents clients in cases involving such issues as child […]
Posted on August 29th, 2019
| Elizabeth Smith OwenGettys, Vann and Raad named to 2020 edition of ‘Best Lawyers’
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Three Morton & Gettys attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America. The publication honors John Gettys and Joshua Vann in the area of real estate law, while Joe Raad is recognized in trusts and estates. The 2020 edition marks the sixth time Raad has received the recognition, while Gettys […]
Posted on August 19th, 2019
| Joe Raad, John Gettys, Josh VannAn end to common law marriage in South Carolina
By Lynelle D. Morgan Attorney at Law ROCK HILL, S.C. – Going forward, South Carolina couples who want to enter into a valid marriage in South Carolina must have a license. There will be no new common-law marriages in South Carolina, the state Supreme Court has ruled. The Supreme Court’s July 24, 2019, decision officially […]
Posted on August 2nd, 2019
| Lynelle MorganMorton & Gettys welcomes Bev Carroll
Beverly A. Carroll, a certified employment law specialist and president of the South Carolina Bar, has joined Morton & Gettys. Read Bev’s complete profile here. Her legal practice focuses on serving a variety of business needs, including compliance, licensing, employee disputes and complex litigation. She also advises businesses on operations, planning and mergers. During decades […]
Posted on July 1st, 2019
| Bev CarrollWhat to do if you’re in front of a police camera
By James Morton Attorney at Law One feature of modern life that takes a lot of getting used to is that wherever you go, there’s likely a camera on you. It’s hard to know how to act – especially when the person behind the camera is a police officer. Whether it’s with a dashcam or […]
Posted on May 21st, 2019
| Jim MortonHow can you tell that your spouse may be cheating?
By Elizabeth Smith Owen Attorney at Law It’s the one thing you don’t want to find out – that your spouse is cheating. At the same time, if your life is about to be turned upside-down, you might prefer to have some warning. About a third of the time, infidelity leads to divorce. But even […]
Posted on April 3rd, 2019
| Elizabeth Smith OwenMorton & Gettys welcomes Riddle as an associate
Davis C. Riddle has joined Morton & Gettys in Rock Hill, South Carolina as an associate. A licensed attorney who also holds a master’s in business administration, he will focus his practice on commercial leasing and real estate development as well as on business and corporate law. Riddle simultaneously earned a juris doctor and MBA […]
Posted on March 25th, 2019
| Davis RiddleElizabeth Smith Owen honored with Leadership in Law Award by SC Lawyers Weekly
South Carolina Lawyers Weekly has honored Elizabeth Smith Owen, a partner with Morton & Gettys law firm in Rock Hill, with its Leadership in Law Award. The annual honor recognizes attorneys who go above and beyond in serving the profession and the community. The selection process begins with a nomination from a fellow attorney. An […]
Posted on March 12th, 2019
| Elizabeth Smith OwenMorton & Gettys again honored in Best Law Firms in America
Morton & Gettys’ work in the practice area of trust and estates is being recognized again in Best Law Firms in America, the third consecutive year the Rock Hill law firm has been honored. The national directory, a joint project of Best Lawyers in America and U.S. News and World Report, lists Morton & Gettys […]
Posted on November 1st, 2018
Gettys, Vann, Raad included in 2019 Best Lawyers in America
The 2019 edition of Best Lawyers in America includes three attorneys from Morton & Gettys: John Gettys and Joshua Vann earned recognition in real estate law, while Joe Raad won honors in trusts and estates. Raad is appearing in Best Lawyers in America for the fifth time. Gettys and Vann are included for the second […]
Posted on August 13th, 2018
| Joe Raad, John Gettys, Josh VannSummer Hunger Challenge brings in more than 2,200 pounds of food
On Tuesday, July 31, Morton & Gettys teamed up with Pilgrims’ Inn of Rock Hill for the Summer Hunger Challenge, and it was a great success. “You all were AWESOME yesterday!” said Jennifer Gullatt of Pilgrims’ Inn on Wednesday. “The total for the food drive is 2,229.8 pounds! This is unbelievable!” Morton & Gettys works […]
Posted on August 7th, 2018
Owens becomes firm’s chief operating officer
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Robin Owens, the long-time administrator with Morton & Gettys, has been named the firm’s first chief operating officer. “When Robin came to us in 2002, we were a small two-person firm,” firm co-founder John Gettys said. “Slowly, we have grown to a practice of more than a dozen attorneys and […]
Posted on July 19th, 2018
Smith certified as a circuit court arbitrator
As Family Courts resume normal functions, we will be meeting face-to-face with clients when necessary, and we will continue to take extra safety precautions before and after. We also will continue virtual consultations when at all possible. Click on these links to learn more about our mediation services, and collaborative divorce. All of these can be handled […]
Posted on May 30th, 2018
| Michael SmithJoin us at the movies
Morton & Gettys is presenting Free Movies at Fountain Park, starting in Rock Hill on June 8. Bring a chair or a blanket and eat out under the stars – this will be a fun night for the entire family! Rec in a Box will begin at 7:30, and a featured food truck will be […]
Posted on May 25th, 2018
New tax law doubles estate and gift tax exemption
By Joseph L. Raad Attorney at Law The federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which became effective Jan. 1, doubled the estate and gift tax exemption. This means fewer estates will even be subject to an estate or gift tax, and those that are taxed will pay less. For 2018, the exemption amount […]
Posted on May 24th, 2018
| Joe RaadCassell serving as president of York County Bar Association
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Morton & Gettys attorney Melissa Cassell is the York County Bar Association’s new president. She was elected this month to a one-year term. Cassell has served on the Bar’s Executive Committee for the past three years, including as vice president for the past year. Cassell, who joined Morton & Gettys […]
Posted on March 20th, 2018
| Melissa CassellMorgan joins family law team at Morton & Gettys
Rock Hill, SC – A passionate and committed advocate for children, Lynelle Morgan is the newest member of the family law team at Morton & Gettys. She has joined the firm as an associate. Morgan’s practice will include a wide range of family law matters, including separation, divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, equitable distribution […]
Posted on February 6th, 2018
| Lynelle MorganElizabeth Smith Owen named to next Liberty Fellows class
Elizabeth Smith Owen, a partner with Morton & Gettys law firm in Rock Hill, S.C., is one of 21 leaders from across the state who have been chosen for Liberty Fellowship’s 14th class. They will be joining the broader network of 290 Liberty Fellows working collaboratively as an engine of change for South Carolina. “Adding […]
Posted on January 9th, 2018
| Elizabeth Smith OwenSelf-representation in Magistrate’s Court
By Nate Pierce, Attorney At Law Have you been served with a lawsuit that’s in a South Carolina Magistrate’s Court? Don’t worry, it’s not just you. We field calls every day from people who have just had someone knock on their door and hand them papers. It’s a scary situation. Very few people are prepared […]
Posted on November 17th, 2017
| Nate PierceThe basics of prenuptial agreements
By Elizabeth Smith Owen, Attorney At Law Prenuptial agreements, often called antenuptial or premarital agreements, are contracts between prospective spouses made before marriage. The content of prenuptial agreements can vary, but they generally define prospective spouses’ non-marital and marital property, as well as include provisions for division of property and spousal support in the event […]
Posted on November 17th, 2017
| Elizabeth Smith OwenWill the Palmetto State Way spread to D.C.?
By Melissa Cassell, Attorney At Law The head of South Carolina’s Department of Employment and Workforce may soon run the Wage and Hour Division at the Federal Labor Department in D.C. The terms “workforce” and “labor” may seem synonymous, but a quick reflection on policies, statutes and history tells us South Carolina deliberately left “labor” […]
Posted on November 17th, 2017
| Melissa CassellMaking your final wishes known
By Joe Raad, Attorney At Law The Health Care Power of Attorney and the Living Will (technically called the “Declaration of Desire for a Natural Death”) have been a part of South Carolina law for more than 25 years. Both are generally termed “Advanced Directives.” The term “Living Will” can be misleading. The document has […]
Posted on November 17th, 2017
| Joe RaadMorton & Gettys honored in 2018 Best Law Firms in America
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Morton & Gettys is being included in the just-released 2018 Best Law Firms in America in the practice area of Trusts & Estates Law. Morton & Gettys is listed among Tier 2 law firms in the Rock Hill area. It’s the second year in a row the firm has been […]
Posted on November 3rd, 2017
| Joe Raad, John Gettys, Josh VannJohn Gettys: Mayor-elect of Rock Hill!
Our own John Gettys is now the mayor-elect of Rock Hill, SC! In an election held on Halloween, John – a partner in this law firm — was elected to become the city’s first new mayor in two decades. And we couldn’t be prouder. With 36 of 39 precincts reported, Gettys had won with 53 percent […]
Posted on November 1st, 2017
Morton & Gettys welcomes Rock Hill native Pierce as an associate
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Morton & Gettys’ newest associate is Nate Pierce, a Rock Hill native who’s returning to his hometown to practice law after a year-long judicial clerkship. He plans to focus his practice on civil litigation. Pierce graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2016. During his three […]
Posted on August 28th, 2017
| Nate PierceGettys, Vann, Raad included in 2018 Best Lawyers in America
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The just-released edition of Best Lawyers in America honors three Morton & Gettys attorneys: John Gettys and Joshua Vann in real estate law and Joe Raad in trusts and estates. Raad is appearing in Best Lawyers in America for the fifth time. Gettys and Vann are making their debuts in […]
Posted on August 15th, 2017
| Joe Raad, John Gettys, Josh VannTax classes for companies: How should I structure my business?
By Melissa G. Cassell The first question any entrepreneur faces is what type of business to create and what legal entity to use. The answer typically determines which forms to file and what taxation the company will have (at least initially). Here is a summary of the options: Sole Proprietorship – default taxation for single-owner […]
Posted on May 19th, 2017
| Melissa CassellA sobering decision: South Carolina Supreme Court ruling changes liquor license limits
By Dan Ballou South Carolina historically has limited the number of liquor licenses a retailer could own to three. A recent court ruling, though, will dramatically change the regulatory landscape in which liquor retailers operate, if the ruling stands. The three-store rule had been justified by the broadly defined “police” power of the General Assembly […]
Posted on May 4th, 2017
| Dan BallouAffinity Health Center breaks ground on new facility in Tech Park
ROCK HILL, SC – Affinity Health Center has broken ground for a 30,000-square-foot facility in Tech Park that will become its new main site when it opens next year. Affinity’s four satellite sites are expected to remain open to continue serving the entire York County. Affinity, formerly known as Catawba Care, is a community health […]
Posted on May 3rd, 2017
| Melissa CassellSmith discusses collaborative law on WRHI talk show
Morton & Gettys partner Michael Smith was a guest on WRHI’s “Close Up” recently to talk about collaborative divorce, an innovative approach to family law he’s working to bring to the Rock Hill community. Collaborative divorce involves a team of professionals working to help guide parties toward solutions, rather than engaging in costly litigation. The […]
Posted on April 28th, 2017
| Michael SmithJohn Gettys announces run for mayor of Rock Hill
John Gettys, a co-founder of Morton & Gettys, has announced his intention to run for mayor of Rock Hill, S.C. Gettys announced on Wednesday, March 29, that he would file in August for the nonpartisan October election for the office. The previous day, it had been announced that longtime Mayor Doug Echols would not run […]
Posted on March 29th, 2017
| John Gettys
