Clarendon County residents will soon have greater access to in-person civil legal assistance with the arrival of monthly services from South Carolina Legal Services at the Clarendon County Courthouse, beginning Jan. 16, 2026.
The new offering will place an intake specialist and legal services representatives inside the courthouse one day per month, by appointment only, to assist eligible residents with a wide range of civil, non-criminal legal matters. It marks the first time in 26 years that Clarendon County has had an assigned, in-person legal services presence.
Appointments will be scheduled directly through South Carolina Legal Services, not through the Clerk of Court’s Office. Hours of operation at the courthouse will be from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the designated monthly service day, with the schedule to be announced as it becomes available.
Residents seeking assistance must apply online first to determine income eligibility before an appointment can be made. During on-site days, an intake specialist will be available to help individuals who have difficulty completing the online application process.
South Carolina Legal Services provides free legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents and does not handle criminal cases. The organization assists with a broad range of civil legal issues, including custody, visitation and child support matters; divorce and certain domestic issues; debt collection and car repossession; housing concerns; consumer matters and bankruptcy; education-related cases; federal income tax matters; probate; public benefits; and legal assistance for migrant farm workers.
While the services will be housed inside the courthouse, South Carolina Legal Services is not affiliated with Clarendon County government offices. The location is intended solely to improve access for residents who may face transportation, technology or other barriers to legal help.
The addition of in-person legal services reflects ongoing efforts by Clerk of Court Shanita Brangman to expand community access to justice resources. Brangman was elected unopposed in 2024 after nearly two decades of service in the Clerk of Court’s Office. She worked under former Clerk of Court Beulah Roberts for 18 years, beginning her career in 2006. Throughout her career, Brangman has emphasized serviceability, responsiveness and professionalism, particularly when assisting residents with sensitive court-related matters.
Her focus on community engagement has included initiatives such as expungement and pardon outreach events designed to help residents better navigate the legal system. The addition of South Carolina Legal Services at the courthouse aligns with that broader goal of improving access to justice for Clarendon County residents.
South Carolina Legal Services’ mission is to ensure full and fair access to justice for low-income South Carolinians and to provide assistance without discrimination based on disability or any protected class. Residents can apply online, check eligibility or learn more about available services by visiting sclegal.org or calling 1-888-346-5592.
County officials are encouraging residents who qualify for civil legal assistance to take advantage of the new service, noting that community participation will be key to maintaining the in-person presence in Clarendon County.
