Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.7 /5.0
30 Client Reviews
PRO
Max Nathan Pickelsimer
Virtual Consultation Available
About Max
Biography
I am a Member of the firm, Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC, where I focus my practice on matters involving the family. I have been fortunate to receive an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College, and my Master of Criminal Justice and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of South Carolina.
Whether the issue is a divorce; child custody; parenting time; spousal and child support; property division; division of retirement benefits; tax consequences of divorce; mediation and arbitration; annulments; paternity; prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; change of domicile; or post-judgment proceedings, the investigative and conflict resolution skills I developed during my 16+ years as a law enforcement officer, coupled with my knowledge and experience in family law, equip me well to serve the best interests of my clients.
I know that the legal process can be confusing. Keeping this in mind, I am committed to ensure that my clients know what to expect along each step of their cases, and I am sensitive and responsive to all questions my clients may have concerning the legal process. Having personally experienced a divorce, I understand the emotional impact a divorce has on both parents and their children. I make it a point to keep my clients focused on their children and how their decisions and actions throughout the case will impact them. Because of my concern for children, I am also privileged to serve as a Guardian ad litem in cases, where I advocate for best interests of children in custody disputes.
While in law school, I served as a member of the South Carolina Law Review, which is the principal legal publication in South Carolina. My article "Attorney Malpractice in Will Drafting: Will South Carolina Expand Privity to Impose a Duty to Intended Beneficiaries of a Will?" was published in South Carolina Law Review and has been cited by the South Carolina Supreme Court, in a published opinion, and various legal publications. I have also served as an adjunct faculty member for Newberry College and Piedmont Technical College, and I have made presentations at Continuing Legal Education courses on the topics of Securities Fraud, Expert Witness Testimony, and Spyware. I have several published decisions in the South Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of South Carolina.
With regard to any endorsements or reviews appearing on this site, please note that results achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
South Carolina Family Law Attorney Serving Clients in York, Richland, and Lancaster Counties
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
25%
17 years
Child Custody
20%
17 years
Family
20%
17 years
Alimony
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in South Carolina for 17 years
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Max online.
Max Nathan Pickelsimer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by John | April 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great attorney
Max was a great attorney and helped me navigate a very difficult process. His Paralegal, Elizabeth was also fantastic. She was extremely responsive. Would definitely recommend to someone needing representation!
Posted by Vanessa | December 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Knowledgeable
Max is my 3rd attorney and by far the best! He was with me through the whole process and I received a favorable outcome!
Posted by Monica | June 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The wierdest divorce ever made simple
Mr. Pickelsimer very simply and professionally achieved my divorce from a man I had not seen in 25 years. I feel free now and am very grateful to he and Elizabeth for the professionalism and work ethic they exhibited. Every email answered promptly and, every question answered promptly. Just good peo...
Posted by Melody | July 27, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Easing the Stress
My father and I contacted Max Pickelsimer after researching the best divorce and separation attorneys in the Carolinas, and after discovering Max's long history in the justice system prior to his practice. During our initial in-person conversation with Max, we decided he was our man. Down-to-earth,...
Posted by Caroline | July 7, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Accountant
Max did an amazing job working through my divorce. He was extremely professional in the court room and very prepared during all preparation. Thank you Max!
Max Nathan Pickelsimer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I have tried several family law matters with Max. He has terrific trial preparation, research, and legal writing skills. Max knows how to try difficult cases, from beginning to end. He is a formidable and respected lawyer in our legal community. He has and maintains the highest ethical standards. I would refer a family member or close friend to him for representation in a difficult matter--to me, that is the highest recommendation I can give an attorney."
"I met Max in Colorado while we were attending a weeklong Lawyer training for continuing education. He was impressive before the class and even more afterwards. I found Max to be a very perceptive and astute attorney and I highly recommend him as a strong advocate for his clients."
"Max is one of the best attorneys in the state. Extremely knowledgeable and does an outstanding job representing his clients. I have worked with Max on the same side of cases as well as opposing sides. I highly recommend Max."
"I endorse this lawyer. Max was the opposing counsel on a very difficult family issue. I found him to be professional, courteous, and responsive."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Tonya Graser Smith
Family lawyer
Jessica Boylan
Divorce and separation lawyer
Justin Bice
Personal injury lawyer
Diana Coada
Litigation lawyer
Jewitte Dooley
Family lawyer
Michael Gillen
Divorce and separation lawyer
Rebecca West
Family lawyer
Ashby Jones
Divorce and separation lawyer
David Pisarra
Divorce and separation lawyer
James McLaren
Family lawyer
Benjamin Bruner
Unknown lawyer
Charles Appleby
Unknown lawyer
Julius Babb
Employment and labor lawyer
Angela Kirby
Probate lawyer
Amy May
Elder law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Certified Family Court Mediator, SC Board of Arbitration and Mediation
2006
Member, South Carolina Law Review
2002
South Carolina Outstanding Young American, South Carolina Jaycees
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Partner/Member, Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC
1900 - Present
Member, Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC
2008 - 2019
Partner/Member, Payne, Black & Pickelsimer, LLC (formerly Warner, Payne & Black)
Associations
2008 - Present
South Carolina BarMember
2008 - Present
Richland County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Lexington County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
American Bar Associationmember
York County Bar Association
Member
United States Supreme Court Bar
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Jennings v. Jennings, 401 S.C. 1, 736 S.E.2d 242 (2012)
The South Carolina Supreme Court found that the emails in question were not being held in elecronic storage as defined by the SCA.
Cannon v. Georgia Attorney Generals Office, et al, 397 S,C, 541, 725 S.E.2d 698 (2012)
The Court court affirmed the Court's imposition of attorneys fees while reducing the amount of the award.
Roof v. Steele, 396 S.C. 373, 720 S.E.2d 910 (Ct. App. 2011).
The Court held that the trial court improperly tethered the alimony award to the costs of insurance.
Sheila R. v. David R., 396 S.C. 41, 719 S.E.2d 682
The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court.
Education
2008
University of South Carolina School of Law
Juris Doctor
1997
University of South Carolina
Master of Science
1993
Newberry College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
2017 Hot Tips From the Coolest Domestic Law Practictioners
Spies Like iOs: Now that you've found spyware, what are your remedies?
2009
SCACPA Litigation Conference
Expert Witnesses
2008
Federal and State Securities Enforcement
Securities Fraud
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Shouldn't I have been given at least a phone call from the Deputy before letting my estranged husband cut the locks off my home?
29 Dec 2019
Q&A
Can per diem be counted as income even though it’s for a hotel and food while I’m working out of town.
30 May 2019
Q&A
Can a couple be legally separated and still leave in the same household?
13 Sep 2018